“Um...don't you remember the plan?” asks Shalra in confusion. She's wearing an adorable-looking tabard thing that covers far too much skin, and the armour and the cloth covering her face. But hey half the fun of presents is unwrapping them right? She also has that armband on that's really important it...um, it something elemental plane of earth and mortals, something important...armband can't come off...

Then Aboswe speaks. Oh Hells no, Aboswe is looking at you, panic!

“You sneak in there” she points to a tiny hole in the ground “it'll take you to the guard post. You get the guard to open the door when we approach from the front entrance” she points to a big cave opening “and then we take care of the rest, ok?”

“Yes Aboswe” you say in a tiny voice. She's scary.

Obediently you shrink down into a tiny snake and start crawling down the hole. It's a long and boring trip but eventually you emerge from the room of a small room in which two humanoid-shaped piles of rock stand guard over a tooth-wheeled mechanism that opens the front gates. Your allies gave you plenty of time in case you needed to like distract them and draw one away or something. They'll approach the gate in a half-hour or so.

No, wait, they told you how to do this, you have a plan...what was the plan?

>I scout ahead in case there's other dangers, like slaad!
>Seduce the rock boys
>Distract them, lead them away from their posts
>I'm bored, violence now (attack)
>Use a spell (?)
>Other (?)

>>45919816
>Seduce the rock boys

>>45919816
>Distract them, lead them away from their posts

>>45919812
>due to a deal with that one god, what's his name, the war guy
God damnit Konig, no poaching our paladins!
>I scout ahead in case there's other dangers, like slaad!

>>45919816
>Distract them, lead them away from their posts

>>45919816
>Distract them, lead them away from their posts

>>45919816
Haha, time to hunt Slaads!

>ib4 the mark is actually a disguised slaad

roll 1d20+17 to trick them

Rolled 8 + 17 (1d20 + 17)

>>45920044

Rolled 3 + 17 (1d20 + 17)

>>45920044

Rolled 18 + 17 (1d20 + 17)

>>45920044

Yes, the Plan! You need to like draw them away from the gate and then open it. Hmm, this is tricky though, they're guards and should be like professional and stuff so you need something that they'll chase without thinking.

Hmmm what though? Rock woman with a big rack, hey boys, check out my over-the-shoulder boulder-holder. Do I make you rock hard?

No, too obvious. How about fire elemental? Is everything on fire in here, or is it just me? No, might give away who you're working for.

If you were made of rocks and gemstones, what would really piss you off? Ah yes, that'll do it. You crawl down the wall unseen, slink into a nearby tunnel and assume a form that'll really crack their pebbles.

XXX

As you enter the two earth elemental guards stop their conversation about the merits of sedimentary vs metamorphic earth elemental women and why igneous types commit more crimes than others.

“How did you get in here you thief!?” One demands.

“This hole in the ground is mine” you say, stroking your long beard and hefting your pickaxe “and it looks like a beautiful mine too.”

They both chase after you as you flee down the tunnel laughing. Behind you comes a yell “I'll get you, damned dwarf!”

You lead them a merry chase and lose them in the tunnels, changing into a mouse to get past them.

Back at the gate in your normal form you fiddle with the mechanism and eventually resort to kicking it, until the door opens.

Your friends all come storming in, ready for a fight and then look around, confused.

“Where are the guards?” asks Genesiya.

“I distracted them” you say proudly. There's a pause, then Ilnesin asks “where are they?”

“Oh back that way” you gesture vaguely “why?”

Anlia starts to laugh, Ilnesin sighs “you were supposed to use the paralysis potion on them” she points to the bottle hanging from your belt. Oh yes, that was the plan...

Shalra says “Um, won't they have raised the alarm now?”

“Yes!” growls Genesiya “move!” and she heads off at a jog down a tunnel that goes downwards. Everyone gives you disapproving looks of some kind and follows.

It's not your fault, sometimes this stuff is really hard. Ah well, can't fix it now...you head after them. No wait, you're supposed to be scouting! That was the plan! You rush on ahead.

Heading down through the fortresses corridors you come to a huge cavern filled with earth elementals, human-like folk with stony skin, some insect people, some four-armed lizard-guys no wait, you know this one, yes, those are xorn, some xorn and...

No.

By all the hells no.

Slaad! Dozens of slaad! Reds and blues and greens and even a white one! White slaads are the worst! Everything was fine until whites came along!

This is bad, really bad! What to do, what to do...? That crowd is huge and everyone is just standing around chatting with drinks asnd plates of food and stuff like its a party or something.

>Report back, tell your friends, together you can figure something out
>Death to all Slaad! (attack the crowd)
>Try to find away around this cavern
>Other (?)

>>45920382
>>Report back, tell your friends, together you can figure something out

Try not to cry, cry a lot.

>>45920382
>Report back, tell your friends, together you can figure something out
And otgether we can end the slaad menace!

>>45920382
>Report back, tell your friends, together you can figure something out
Maybe Aboswe can evert their skeletons. Wait, do Slaad even have skeletons?

>>45920382
>Report back, tell your friends, together you can figure something out

>>45920402
They're frogs, so yes.

>>45920423
They're chaos-frogs tho

>>45920423
They're not frogs, they're slaads, if they would conform to your expectation of frog physiology they wouldn't be very chaotic.
Most likely some Slaads have skeeltons and some don't.

>>45920382
>Try to find away around this cavern

reporting back it is

This is a problem that requires patience, smart thinking and lots of undead monsters. You can provide the first two, but Aboswe is best at the third one. Time to report back!

You rush back to the main group and report.

“Slaadi, Slaadi in the dungeon!” you eloquently explain to your allies, who are moving quietly through side corridors. “We need to get rid of them, quick, Aboswe, you can control their skeletons right?”

Genesiya rolls her eyes “she saw a frog again...”

Ilnesin believes you though, good trusty Ilnesin “Nansuj where did you see the ah 'slaad'?

“There's a big cavern up ahead!” you explain breathlessly “and they're all standing around with finger-food and drinks and party hats plus they're xorn and some humans that where probably from this plane and a bunch of formian overseers and we have to kill all the slaad!”

Looks are exchanged, then Anli says “say all that again, but make sense this time please.”

You love your friends but they are so slow! Eventually after telling them a second time they get it.

“So there's a party going on up ahead” says Shalra “why?”

“Trontarian is trying to establish footholds on other planes” says Aboswe in a creepy-sounding voice “perhaps he's trying to win allies.”

“Excellent” says Genesiya “we pretend to be guests at his party whilst looking for the bracelet, ok?”

“But what about the slaad!” you wail “they'll kill us all, that's what they do!”

Shalra raises a reasonable objection, thank you Shalra, this plan is doomed “I don't think I'm going to be able to fit in as well as the rest of you.”

“Shalra is absolutely correct!” you say “we do need to wipe out the slaad menace, Aboswe we're going to need some seriously scary undead so-”

“No” says Ilnesin.

“No?” you say “but Shalra can't shapeshift and we can't use spells to disguise her because if they're diplomats everyone will have stuff to detect that so-”

Anli suddenly grins and gives Shalra a sly grin “Oh we can do the second-skin trick.”

Shalra gives her a suspicious look “what's the second-skin trick?”

Genesiya giggles, Ilnesin puts a hand over her mouth to hide a grin.

Aboswe explains “natural shapeshifting is harder to detect than spells and illusions. And some of us are very good at it. It's possible to change into another creature whilst leaving enough room inside you for a passenger, though depending upon what you're pretending to be your passenger might not have enough room for clothes and the like. For example, slaadi are pretty big – one of us could pretend to be a slaad whilst leaving enough room for you and all of your gear. Formians and xorn are right out as possibilities – wrong body shape. Earth elementals are possible but we'd be recognised as a stranger. No the choices are either slaad or one of the earth-type humans.”

Shalra blushes “but if you're pretending to be a human then-”

“It would be skin-tight, in all the right places.” says Anli with a grin “I volunteer, and we totally shouldn't be a slaad - Nansuj might forget and stab us.” She puts an arm around Shalra's shoulders causing her blush to deepen.

“Actually” says Ilnesin “Nansuj is going to do it.”

“Me?” you ask, not that you have any objection to getting close to Shalra, but why you?

“Because hopefully Shalra will stop you from doing anything stupid, like stabbing the slaad guests” she points out. That makes no sense at all, you don't do stupid stuff on a mission – you're a professional!

And stabbing slaad isn't stupid, it's just common sense.

There are several objections to this plan, but Ilnesin stands her ground and Aboswe backs her up.

Shalra gives you a nervous look “Uh, if possible, do you suppose you could um, be a slaad?”

The very thought almost makes your head implode. You, be a slaad!

You. Slaad.

Your mind just can't picture it, no, not happening.

Wait...if you're a slaad, you could get close to other slaadi easily and stab them, all subtle and sneaky like...yes that might work. On the other hand, being a human born on the elemental plane gives you an excuse to rub up against a naked Shalra and tease her.

Hmm, murder slaad, tease cute paladin girl. Murder, tease, murder tease. Damn some choices are hard.

>Be a slaad
>Earth-type human
>Actually someone else can do this
>Propose alternate plan (?)
>Other (?)

>>45921016
>Earth-type human

>>45921016
>Earth-type human
Eh they won't let us stab the slaad anyway....

>>45921016
Slaad murdering or teasing... tough choices tough choices

Slaad murder
>Be a slaad

>>45921016
>Earth-type human

>being a Slaad
NEVER!

Being one of those strange earth-humans it is

>>45921016
>Earth-type human

Is posting down?

“Me, be a slaad, me, a slaad” you say “no way, no how, just can't do it, sorry.”

Shalra starts wringing her hands “really, but um, maybe you can um, get a better understanding of how slaadi um-”

Ok that really seals the deal. Understand slaadi, what's to understand? They're filthy murder-machines.

“Strip!” you order Shalra, as you start to change form.

XXX

You all mingle with the guests at the party: You and Anli as rock-covered humans; Genesiya as a formian and Aboswe and Ilnesin as xorn. You also stay in mental contact with each other.

-This is really weird- Shalra sends to you. You need to keep in mental contact to move at the same time and not trip each other up.

-You're doing fine- You reassure her, making sure she's turning her head to scan the room regularly to let you keep watching the slaad.

Under your coating of a human with rocky, pebbly skin, Shalra is well...naked. You're touching her in some places that you're pretty sure no one has touched her in a long time, or maybe ever. Also because you're in the middle of a crowd you haven't taken any liberties yet, business before pleasure and all that.

Also there are slaad around. You can never relax with them around.

The two of you are making small talk with a formian, or trying to.

“Really” Shalra says “I had no idea that hive construction was so...involved.”

The formian clicks at her and you translate, inserting the meaning straight into her mind.

[Three thousand workers die during construction of greater underways tunnel] says the formian [but thanks to construction warriors break into human mine undetected, kill workers and raze mining town, bring bodies back to hive for food, queen particularly fond of softness of meat of human grubs].

-Did he just say that- Shalra starts to say. As you're wrapped around her body and inside her head you know she feels like throwing up, you need to distract her. You take over your shared mouth.

Testing posting again, for reasons.

“How fascinating” you say to the formian “Oh please excuse me I just saw a friend of mine, we must continue this discussion later.” You both walk away.

-Keep it together- you say to her -Think of something else-

-Like what?- She asks, still feeling nauseous

-How about a prayer- you suggest, turning your head to watch that green slaad as you walk past it.

-How are we even going to find this bracelet?- says Shalra, her feelings of nausea subside a little as she focuses on the quest.

-It'll either be in a vault, in Trontarians personal chambers- you send -or he'll display it to his new allies as a sign of his power-

-Ok- She says -So how do we find out?-

-Well we mingle and wait- you say -Or we sneak away and search for it-

-Or we talk to people- She suggests, and heads for another earth-type human. Thankfully representatives from several tribes are here, so him not recognising you isn't a big deal.

“Hi there” says Shalra “I'm Shalra, isn't this exciting” wait, her own name? You need to give this girl some tips, soon. She keeps talking “I heard that King Trontarian managed to outwit some stupid fire elemental and claim some special trinket from him” her voice is light and bubbly like she's not that bright. “Is he going to show it to us later, wouldn't that be great? What's you're name?”

You expect him to get suspicious but it seems the curvy and attractive rock-woman look you're wearing helps a lot.

“I am Intendant Baltethal” says the rocky-skinned man, bowing and kissing your hand “charmed. I heard much the same but alas I don't think he will be showing it to everyone, though the bracelet is quite lovely.”

Wait, has he seen it?

-Ask him if he's seen it- you send to Shalra, who complies. Her nausea has finally gone.

“Oh yes” says the Intendant “my people – the Skorsias – are renowned for making magic items and it has a number of properties that the Kings sorcerers can't determine. Part of our agreement with him is discovering and unlocking them. I examined it briefly earlier during my discussion with the King”. He gives you a confident smile, clearly trying to impress what he thinks is a young woman of his own kind.

-We need to find out where it is- You send urgently to Shalra.

-What do I do?- she asks. Hmm, good question.

>Keep him talking, try to get a location and a description from him
>Seduce him; once away from the party you can use magic to get what you want
>Swap out for someone else to get the information
>Other (?)

>>45921922
>Seduce him; once away from the party you can use magic to get what you want

>>45921922
>Keep him talking, try to get a location and a description from him

>>45921922
>Keep him talking, try to get a location and a description from him

>>45921922
>Keep him talking, try to get a location and a description from him

>>45921922
>Keep him talking, try to get a location and a description from him
If that doesn't work or he is too reluctant
>Seduce him; once away from the party you can use magic to get what you want

>>45921922
>Keep him talking, try to get a location and a description from him

>>45921922
>Keep him talking, try to get a location and a description from him

>>45921978
Opposed.

>>45921922
>Seduce him; once away from the party you can use magic to get what you want

Roll 1d100+999 to seduce.

ok, please roll 1d20 (no mods) to see how well Shalra is at getting info

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>45922145

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>45922145

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>45922145

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>45922145

>>45922157
>>45922164
>>45922167
>>45922179
I like how orderly this is.

-Just keep him talking- you suggest -stroke his ego, see what comes out-

With a little prompting and coaching Shalra is able to to find out that the bracelet is in a side room, being displayed to a few select diplomats...but is also under heavy guard. The Intendant is one of the few invited to view it. And they're only allowed in one or two at a time.

You share this information with your allies.

-So one of us pretends to be the Intendant and goes in?- suggests Anli.

-Maybe- says Ilnesin -But as soon as we grab it we'll need to run-

-A distraction then- says Genesiya -Something to draw some of the guards away from it?-

-Like a fight?- you suggest -A brawl in the reception would draw guards- And allow you to kill a few slaadi.

-Why not use the Intendant- suggests Shalra -Get him to escort us in and then accuse him of being a thief- Wow she's getting into this whole sneaky deception thing.

-I can whip up a quick enchantment that'll look like a fake of the bracelet- suggests Aboswe -If you can plant it on him they'll take him away and you can try to grab it-

-Or we just go with the distract and grab plan- suggests Anli. Well that plan does let you stay here and kill slaadi...but if the Intendant is escorting you in, then you can't, damn.

There is a spirited debate as you all keep pretending to be guests. Which plan do you support?

>Distraction brawl and grab
>Use the intendant as a decoy thief
>Distraction brawl and use the Intendant as a decoy thief (combine plans)
>Other (?)

>>45922358
>Use the intendant as a decoy thief>Distraction brawl and use the Intendant as

>>45922358
>Distraction brawl and use the Intendant as a decoy thief (combine plans)

>>45922358
>Use the intendant as a decoy thief

>>45922358
>Use the intendant as a decoy thief

>>45922417
Please clarify?

>>45922358
>Distraction brawl and use the Intendant as a decoy thief (combine plans)

>>45922358
>Have one of the others switch forms with you and kill slaadi as a slaadi.

>>45922358
>Sneak out and disguise yourself as Slaad, return and kill him in slaad form, thereby showing all that slaad are untrustworthy murderer, use shapeshifting to escape and allow the others to grab the item in the confusion

>>45922443
Just badly copied, was supposed to be only the first

Intendant as decoy thief, writing.

-We should go with Shalra's plan- you say -Get the Intendant to escort us in, drop a decoy bracelet on him and scream thief-

After a short argument they agree. Aboswe gets some distance from the party to make a convincing simulacrum – thanks to King Volcajs description it should look good enough.

With a little help from you Shalra manages to convince Intendant Baltethal that she would be 'very impressed' if he could show her the mysterious bracelet.

Aboswe walks past you and drops in into your hand behind your back and then you're on your way, wandering through corridors. Then you recall a slight flaw in your plan, getting it on him.

-You're going to have to kiss him- You tell Shalra.

-What?- She says, as you walk arm-in-arm with Baltethal down an twisting and currently empty corridor.

-I need to slip this into his packet- You explain -It'll be much easier if he's close and distracted-

-Can't you just do it without needing to kiss him- She says, you can read her embarrassment in her mind.

-Maybe- You concede -But he might notice-

-Or just don't plant it on him- She suggests -Show it to the guards when we accuse him, say he forced us to help him-

-Then they'll suspect us- You point out -We need them to not do that-

-We can convince them- She assures you, she really doesn't want to kiss a complete stranger. Ugh, mortals and their hang-ups.

>Just kiss him!
>Try to plant the fake on him without a kiss
>Keep the fake on you
>Other (?)

>>45922716
>>Just kiss him!

>>45922716
>Try to plant the fake on him without a kiss
If she wants to stick with succubutt operators, she really needs to work on that though.

>>45922716
>Try to plant the fake on him without a kiss

>>45922716
>Try to plant the fake on him without a kiss

>>45922716
>slip it by pretending to squeeze his butt

>>45922716
>Just kiss him!

>>45922716
>Try to plant the fake on him without a kiss

>>45922716
>>45922844
seconding

>>45922716
Changing >>45922762 to >>45922844

please roll 1d20+26 for sneaky gifting

Rolled 3 + 16 (1d20 + 16)

>>45922923

Rolled 6 + 26 (1d20 + 26)

>>45922923

Rolled 5 + 26 (1d20 + 26)

>>45922923

Rolled 6 + 26 (1d20 + 26)

>>45922923

Rolled 19 + 26 (1d20 + 26)

>>45922923

Rolled 11 + 26 (1d20 + 26)

>>45922923

>>45922935
>>45922938
>>45922940
Dammit dice gods

>>45923066
The first one has the wrong mod.

>>45923102
>Still 6
>19 right after
I repeat
Dammit dice gods

-Fine- you say -I'll try, but this might sting a little- You reach behind you with your spare arm, just a bit further...

-Oww!- Complains Shalra -That really hurts!-

-Almost got it in!- You reassure her -Just need to, dammit almost-

-Ow, oww, oww!- Shalra is such a wimp, you'd think she'd have been hurt worse than this in meathead paladin training camp or whatever.

-Almost got it all the way in on that attempt- You assure her -Wanna go again?-

-Not really- Shalra says, trying to keep the pain from her voice as she encourages the Intendant to talk about the impressive size of his achievements.

-Once it's in you'll feel so much better- You assure her -Here I go again-

-Yeeeeowch!- Shalra protests

-There, it's in!- You inform her smugly

-I think you broke something- She complains. Probably not, her arms still works, but you pulled a few things further than you should, gee if only you had a divine champion around who could heal stuff wow that would be so useful to have right now...

The Intendant escorts you into a small chamber with four massive earth elementals wielding huge clubs standing over a small display case that has a ruby-encrusted bronze bracelet within it.

“See my dear” says Intendant Baltethal. Shalra gasps and puts a hand to her mouth.

“Yes it's quite something” says the Intendant. You tense, ready to move, then Shalra speaks to you.

-That's the Tears of Altusim- she informs you. You can feel her shock, awe...and worry through your mental link.

-The what?- You ask her, as the Intendant blathers on about...something.

-A paladin of Azastor who lived a long time ago wept tears of blood when- Shalra starts to explain.

-Short on time- You remind her.

-Oh, sorry, erm, it's a powerful magical artefact used to banish and destroy demons, in fact I'm surprised you can stand being this close to it-

-The wards on the display case probably have something to do with that- you point out -That's inconvenient, how powerful do you think it is?-

>>45923133
one of those was mine and I fear it was most likely the 6.

-Well according to legends, just standing this close to it should destroy a demon- She says -So if we remove it...-

-Huh- You say -And when you say destroy...?- You ask

-I'm not sure- She says -But it might be ah, permanent-

You take a moment to think about this. No you really can't see a way out, because right now the Intendant has finished talking about his work and just asked you if you've seen enough.

-After we tell them that he's the thief- You tell Shalra -They'll probably leave at least one guard watching us, I'll attack him, you smash that glass, grab the thing and run-

-But you'll die!- She objects -There has to be another way-

-There isn't- You send grimly -Well other than...no, there isn't-

-Other than what?- She asks you

-Well I was thinking that we leave and the Queen sends someone else to steal this- You say -But that probably won't work very well, angels suck at this sort of work-

-I can tell you're lying- Shalra points out.

Ah yes, the link to her mind tells you about your emotions too, ah.

-Look- You tell her -Some demons can possess mortals, burying themselves in that mortals soul. I am such a demon. Whilst possessing a person I'm very difficult to get out and in particular a priest or paladins soul would shield me from most holy spells and artefacts due to...well it's complicated, but we're not going with that option.-

-Why?- She asks you.

-Because to avoid something as powerful as this sounds I'll need to completely submerge my essence in your soul- You say waspishly -Parts of us will be all mixed up, and I've no desire to suddenly start being a paladin, that's why.-

-That's not it though- It's inconvenient that she can read you so well.

-You would be affected as well- you say -you'd, well you could pick up anything from me, like losing your hang-ups about sex or my obsession with slaadi or you might have to relive some of my memories, which will be really unpleasant for you-

There's a pause and then Shalra says -Do it-

She doesn't know what she's asking though.

>Possess Shalra
>No, stick to your plan, sacrifice yourself for the mission
>Retreat, let another party of non-demons handle this
>Other (?)

>>45923632
>Possess Shalra

>>45923632
>Contact Absowe, make a plan to get a undead here to smash and grab for us

>>45923632
It seems weird as hell they aren't in individual casings...

>>45923695
supporting anyway
That seems like a really drastic step to take, though I'm failry confident Sireyi could sort it out afterwards.

>>45923632
>Possess Shalra
Recruit another crusader in the noble fight against the sladd menace now!

>>45923632
this>>45923695

>>45923723
>It seems weird as hell they aren't in individual casings...

Please explain?

>>45923632
>Point out who doesn't have anything on.
I have to ask are we 100% sure we can do this as we can't get back to the group unless this thing is in it's wards.

>>45923756
Its odd they are protected by the same set of wards, rather than each being individually protected.

>>45923756
Ah no nevermind, I misunderstood, I thought there were two artifacts int here, not that the thing is actually the tears, sorry

>>45923779
There;'s just one item in the case: a bracelet covered in rubies.
>>45923795
The rubies are collectively called the Tears

>>45923632
>>45923695
this, have the undead teleported out so we can get it out
I misunderstood how it works, just posessing won't work then

>>45923632
>Possess Shalra

>>45923818
Why wouldn't it?

counting votes

>>45923869
Because we can't get it out, since we can't get it close to the rest of the team.

undead option wins, writing

>>45923883
I'd rather rely on being a solo palading than on undead animated by demon magic not vaporizing.

>>45923926
The solo paladin can't leave without the demon magic, so your point is pretty shaky.
And its necromancy, not "demon magic" just because its from a demon, unholy enhancement is a seperate ability that needs to be consciously applied. Its in the rules.

>>45923926
Jal is probably our best bet but that wouldn't be as fun.

>>45923986
Corrupt is a separately applied metamagic effect, but magic that originates from a demon is considered demonic magic as has been several times on multiple occasions, and having Demonic Magic, which Aboswe does, explicitly warps all spells cast with infernal energy.

>>45924052
>but magic that originates from a demon is considered demonic magic as has been several times on multiple occasions
I can't remember such a occasion.

>>45924052
>and having Demonic Magic, which Aboswe does, explicitly warps all spells cast with infernal energy
If such a trace would be enough to be affected, then the posession wouldn't be enough anyway.

>>45924075
Your poor memory is your problem, I'm not going to comb through 80 threads to find the handful of times Sireyi has mentioned it in her pre-vote internal monologue.

>>45924176
Except the possession involved hiding all that demonic essence deep behind layers of holy essence. Not just throwing it around all over the place.

>>45924211
So in short you just make a baseless claim.

>>45924251
I commit the relevant information to memory instead of the exact fucking post number where it gets mentioned. Sue me.

>>45924384
>relevant information

Except in this case it's baseless as you have nothing to back up your information.

>>45924413
Sure is, but I still know I'm right, and the Demonic Magic would be more than enough to have it count even if it wasn't by base anyway.

>>45924251
Well, I'm fairly sure it has come up once or twice that we had magic used by demons count as demon magic, because they usually use the corrupt enhancement, there is no reason for them not to, afterall.
Can't really think of a time when random magic that happens to be used by a demon counted as demon magic though.
We had Holy effects affect demons for obvious reasons, but for example, healing by angels doesn't hurt demons by default either.

>>45924474
Well, it costs extra Arcane Energy and you need to purchase it.

>>45924516
I can't think of many situations were we encountered magic used by demons that didn't have reason to enhance it.

Either way, if necromancy used by a demon counts as demon magic, sufficiently so that it would be a issue here, then the posession, which is basically the same just with nestled in paladin powers rather than necromantic power, wouldn't help either.

>>45924556
The undead aren't wrapped in a pious soul enhanced by a deity overflowing with divine power.

>>45924588
I'm not seeing any reason that would make a difference compared to necromantic energy. I could see it if it were from the same deity, but its not.

No, you can't, if only one of the others was here like Ilnesin or Aboswe or-

Wait, Aboswe, that's it.

-Aboswe- You send to her -Four big earth elementals, one room, warded glass case, holy artefact; what sort of undead you got for that?-

-What are you talking about?- Demands Ilnesin -What's the problem?-

You quickly outline your plan as Intendant Baltethal escorts you back to the party. You omit the whole possessing Shalra idea, the others might think of it but you can always play dumb and pretend you never had that conversation.

-Good call- says Anli -This thing isn't worth your life Nansuj-

-I'm getting some distance from the party- Says Aboswe -I can see through my pets eyes and control them remotely but I'll need quiet-

-I'm with her- says Genesiya -The rest of you stay in the party-

-Gotcha- You say

-Is this going to work?- Shalra asks you.

-It has to- You say

-Maybe you should have- She starts

-Don't worry- You soothe her -Aboswe is scary as a demon lord, she can do this-

Not long after that Aboswe begins.

-Undead in the tunnels- She updates you -Approaching now. Hah didn't expect that did you, you chunk of stupid rock. Yeah smash him up. Don't you dare! Get off my darling! Grind that thing into powder baby, go baby go!-

Not long after that one of the earth elementals says loudly into the crowd “Follow me” in a voice like grinding stone “There is a security concern, all guests this way.”

The crowd starts to follow him down a narrow passageway. You and the others hang back in case you need to help Aboswe out. Then you feel a powerful wave of magic come rushing through the stone all around you. From the startled expressions of lots of other partygoers, you weren't the only one.

-What was that?- Exclaims Shalra

-Dimensional Locking Ward- You tell her -No teleporting or interplanar travel around here for...hmm judging by the strength of it, a mile or so.-

-Success!- Crows Aboswe -The undead monkey wins the prize!-

>>45924604
Because the necromantic energy is infused with demonic essence, and probably way less of a presence than Shalra's *entire soul*

-Head to the surface and run for it!- Ilnesin says -Once we get out of range of this we're gon-

She's interrupted by a violent tremor that shakes the stone around you.

-NOOOOO!- Aboswe yells into all your minds, then you feel her sadness and rage through the link.

-Aboswe!- Sends Anli -What happened?-

-They crushed all her undead- Genesiya answers -Just collapsed the tunnels around them-

-What's the plan then?- You ask, stepping out of the path of a green slaad.

-I think we retreat- Suggests Genesiya -They can step through stone, they don't even need to move the rock off it to get it back, we could dig for days and not find it-

-No- Says Aboswe -No retreat, only death, only revenge-

-Aaand now Nansuj is the second least rational person in this conversation- Observes Anli

-Aboswe no!- Genesiya yells, the ground around you shakes again -Oh you crazy bitch, everybody help!-

Well that seals it, you stop hanging around at the back of the crowd and run.

Eventually you come to a jagged uneven chamber, carved hastily from the surrounding rock. You enter at one end, coming up alongside Aboswe and Genesiya.

At the other end of the chamber is a mount of broken rock with the artefact on it. You know because you can feel that, even from this distance, a good two hundred feet away. Wow that stings, get much closer and you'll be getting burned.

And around the pile of rock lots of earth elementals are rising from the floor and emerging from the walls.

Aboswe is in her natural form, hovering off the ground with black and green magical energies dancing around her.

“You're all going to die down here!” she screams at the earth elementals

To be continued...

(Mini-paladin coming up next)

>>45924604
>I could see it if it were from the same deity
You know what occured to me, it is really really strange that a artifact of a deity that was apparently all about redemption being open for all, indiscriminately kills people for being what they are.
Does this not seem weird to anyone else?

You are Milerna Jalweyen, angel-blooded and born paladin of Konig. You are 9 years old, and are attending paladin training at a church of Konig school.

http://pastebin.com/RE8br4uf

You wake up slowly, not exactly sure where you are. You're not in your own bed and looking around you're in...the infirmary maybe?

You're also alone in a small room “Hello?” you whisper out. Wow you could really use a drink or water or something.

Immediately the door opens and Instructor Tanner walks in “Mili” she says quietly “how're you feeling?”

“Can I have a drink of water?” you ask in a dry voice.

“Of course kiddo” she says, fetching a cup and a pitcher “here”.

After you've drunk your fill you ask “what happened?” Your memory is a little...unclear.

Instructor Tanner sits in a chair next to the bed you're in and gives you a serious look, you hope you're not in trouble.

“Well, that's the thing” she says “soon some priests are going to ask you that and it's very important to tell them that I rescued you and Sera from Gerlut, ok?”

“Why?” you ask. Things are coming back to you...you remember hurting Gerlut and his flesh crawling off and urrrghhh!

Instructor Tanner is there with a bowl ready as you vomit.

“That's it” she says, patting you on the back as you lean over the side of the bed, the bowl under your face “get it all out.”

“I'm horrible!” you wail, tears falling from your upside-down face “I'm evil!”

“No you're not” Instructor Tanner reassures you “He deserved a lot worse: he was going to kill Sera.”

“But I hurt him!” you sob “that was wrong that's not a palading thing to do.”

Instructor Tanner mutters something under her breath that sounds like “I could tell you stories” but out loud she says “Well do you want your friend Sera to die?”

That shocks you enough that you stop crying, tears still wet on your face. You look at at the Instructor and say in a horrified voice “No!”

“Well he was going to kill her” she says, calmly, too calmly “and you stopped him, how can that be a bad thing?”

“But I, I...” you struggle to find the right words.

Instructor Tanner sighs “Yes that's the other thing, when the priests come in, don't tell them that. You'll get in trouble. Tell them I did it, ok?”

There's a knock at the door. What are you going to do?

>Tell the truth: you hurt Gerlut
>Lie: Instructor Tanner hurt him
>Lie: You don't remember
>Refuse to talk
>Other (?)

>>45924696
>Tell the truth: you hurt Gerlut

>>45924696
>>Lie: Instructor Tanner hurt him

>>45924696
>Tell the truth: you hurt Gerlut

>>45924696
>Tell the truth: you hurt Gerlut
Paladings don't lie, and what good are principles if you abandon them on convenience.

>>45924661
>Does this not seem weird to anyone else?
Gods be crazy, yo.
I dunno, really.
It does seem weird, but maybe its a older artifact and there was a paradigm shift, or a specific radical sect.

>>45924696
>Lie: Instructor Tanner hurt him

>>45924742
That's only going to ruin whatever Tanner is scheming to save our ass.

>>45924765
>That's only going to ruin whatever Tanner is scheming to save our ass.
I'm not seeing the problem? It won't hurt her so its still just lying to save your skin, which is bad and un-paladin behaviour.

>>45924696
>Tell the truth: you hurt Gerlut

>>45924765
Well Tanner is a idiot to try lying to the truth detecting priests of the justice god

>>45924782
Hurt her who? Tanner? Or milli?

We all know the church is full of corrupt and actually evil priests and instructors. Tanner is trying to protect Milli from whatever they want.

>>45924696
Remember, Grampa Konig is watching.

>Virtue detect the questioners, if they are virtous tell the truth, if not lie

>>45924825
It doesn't take a corrupt priestto freak out about the amazing necrololi

>>45924836
Second.

>>45924825
Tanner. If saying the truth would hurt someone besides Mili, I would agree, but it doesn't.

>>45924742
>>45924696
>>45924836
this seems fair though, changing

>>45924836
interesting option

extending voting time limit to 5 minutes from now

>>45924696
>>45924717
Changing to

>>Virtue detect the questioners, if they are virtous tell the truth, if not lie

>>45924836
Yeah alright. Let's.

>>45924836
Yeah who knows, maybe we strike gold and find the one Konig priest (besides aunt Philly of course) who isn't a corrupt asshole.

>>45924696
>Virtue detect the questioners, if they are virtous tell the truth, if not lie

>>45924696
Backing >>45924836

>Virtue detect the questioners, if they are virtous tell the truth, if not lie

is I think the winner, but that vote is a little tangled, please check my count.

>>45925003
Pretty sure it won by a wide margin.

Paladins don't lie, so you won't. Well, sometimes they have to lie to bad people but that's not the same as lying to your friends or anything.

“Come in” Instructor Tanner says and three really old men come in, wearing the robes of priests of Konig. You've not seen them around before, you don't think they are instructors at the school.

You look at them with the Sight of Konig. All of them meet most of the virtues, one fails Self-Control, one fails Hard Work; and another fails Kindness and Humility, other than that they are living up to Konigs ideals.

So when one asks you “child, do you remember what happened? Do you feel up to telling us?” You tell the truth.

They listen patiently, occasionally asking questions once your tale has finished they give Instructor Tanner some harsh glares. She folds her arms and glares back.

One then says “I find no fault in the childs actions. Although it was done with vile powers it was done in defence of her life and the life of another.”

“I disagree” says another “evil magic is still evil magic, even when put to noble ends.”

“To allow the murder of a child, possibly two is by far the greater evil” says the third.

The first says “then it is decided, no punishment shall come to the child from such an action.

“Agreed” say the other two.

The first one continues “But there is still a danger to the other children, perhaps her magic should be blocked until she comes of age-”

“No” says Instructor Tanner.

They look at her, their bushy white eyebrows going up “No?” one says.

“If you restrict her powers you restrict her ability to defend herself” says Tanner “exactly how would her parents and Divine Konig see that?”

“And if she uses her powers on another child-” One argues.

“She won't” says Instructor Tanner.

“But if she does” says one stubbornly

“Then punish her then!” snaps the Instructor “but not before she does anything wrong!”

They confer quietly then one says “We will prepare a token that will warn us if she uses her powers again, she will carry it with her.”

“If Instructor Ophilian agrees” says Instructor Tanner.

The oldest one draws himself up to his full height, Instructor Tanner just stares at him.

There's a long moment.

“As you say” he says finally. Then they leave.

Instructor Tanner looks at you and says “not even a little lie huh?”

“Paladings don't lie to good people” you explain.

Instructor Tanner pats you leg “I hope that never gets you into trouble kid, sleep well.”

XXX

The next day you're out of the infirmary, much to Chesi's relief, however...

“Sera doesn't want to what?” you ask Gilly at lunch, all of your friends are there except, well, Sera.

“She won't tell me what happened” says Gilly “but she told me to stay away from you. I think she just needs time to process...whatever it was.”

To look down, Chesi puts an arm around you and rests her head on your shoulder. It helps but still, you're not feeling great.

“So give her some space” says Michael, “we have other problems” he nods at Thomas, who is doing his homework...that's due in this afternoons lesson.

“What did happen?” asks Jenny “no one is telling us anything.”

Do you tell them?
>Tell them everything
>Don't tell them
>Other (?)

And what's next?
>Go speak to Sera
>Focus on Thomas' problem, Sera can wait
>Other (?)

Please pick 1 from each section

>>45925862
>Don't tell them
>Focus on Thomas' problem, Sera can wait

>>45925862
>Tell them everything
>Focus on Thomas' problem, Sera can wait
She probably needs a little space to cool off, thats what mama Jal always says about mama Sofia

>>45925862
>Tell them everything
>Focus on Thomas' problem, Sera can wait

>>45925862
>Tell them everything
>Go speak to Sera

>>45925862
>Tell them everything
>Go speak to Sera

>>45925862
>Tell them everything
>Write to Sera

>>45925862
>>45925887
cute idea, adding
>Write to Sera

>>45925862
>>45925910
I'll throw support for writing to Sara on as well, as it doesn't seem like talking to her directly is going win.

>>45925862
This >>45925887

Man the write ins have been on point to day.

tell all
help thomas
write sera

Writing

After looking around to make sure no one can hear you explain “Instructor Tanner told me and Sera...”

After explaining you look around to see various expressions on your friends faces.

Gilly nods saying “good.”

Michael looks thoughtful, like he's not sure what to say.

Thomas gives you a thumbs up.

Jenny looks a bit ill, and pushes her lunch to one side.

Chesi says “you should have killed him.”

“Chesi!” you object, “Paladings don't kill helpless people.”

“They do kill evil ones though” she argues “and he was really, really evil.”

You squabble about that with her for the rest of lunch, only after do you realise that you wanted to talk to Sera. Well she wants her space and stuff, ok, you'll write a letter and ask Gilly to give it to her.

That evening after dinner you are all studying together in a small study room and you say to Thomas “So are you going to the club tonight?” Sera isn't with you.

“I have to” he says, shrinking in his seat a bit “They won't let up if I just leave.”

“We;ve got to get him out somehow.” says Michael.

“We should wait until Sera comes around” says Gilly. She left your letter with Sera a few minutes ago “then we try the fight again.”

“Or just tell on them” suggests Jenny “I mean it is against the rules...”

“Or” suggests Chesi brightly “we can say that since Thomas and I are due to be married he-”

“No” Thomas vetoes that idea with a firm shake of his head.

But what to do?

>Wait until you have Sera on the team: Thomas can tough it out until then
>Thomas just stops going
>Tell a teacher
>Other (?)

Next update will be last update tonight

>>45926287
>Just try the fight again and this time Mili fights

I cannot into spoiler tags

>>45926337
That N is a massive spoiler that reveals everything. How could you leave that uncensored, you monster.

>>45926287
>Just try the fight again and this time Mili fights

>>45926337
Highlight and hit control s, it works wonders.

>>45926287
Just try the fight again and this time Mili fights
but I would like Sera along if we can get her.

>>45926287
>>45926335
yep, the scrubs we hang out with had their chance, time for Mili to kick ass

Mili laying the smackdown it is

“Chesi” you say in a chiding tone “not now.”

Chesi gives you a stubborn look “what, you calling dibs Mili-”

“What we're going to do” you explain after shoving Chesi to shut her up “is attend again and play their dumb game and I'm going to fight and win, then it's over.”

“I dunno” says Michael “this might not end well.”

XXX

Later that night in the arena, all of you heft your wooden swords and look around at the 20 opponents arrayed against the six of you.

“I told you this wasn't going to-”

“Shut up Michael” you say, looking around the obstacle course you're fighting on “I think I know how we can win this.”

XXX

Thanks for playing, next thread will be Monday 14th

>>45926805
Thanks for running, have a good night.

>>45926805
thanks for running

>>45926805
Thanks for running!

And only 20, this''ll be a cakewalk.

>>45926805
>and look around at the 20 opponents arrayed against the six of you
Good. Time for some fools to have the fear of Konig be put into them!

>>45926878
Fucking hell yeah.