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Last time, we spent most of our time managing our empire, starting a lot of projects, the improvements of most ports in particular. We also have clues on who's responsible for the grave robbing in your empire.

- - - -

In the depths of sleep, you follow the wind and enter the Realm of Dreams. After leaving the forest and climbing the mountain to get to the temple (and petting some animals), you walk the halls of white marble and get to the promontory. The white fire of your soul still majestically ablaze. Metraton, Luna and Gefian are here, in their true godly humanoid appearance, and your guardians Sif, Manus and Tyrande are with them, watching the flames. As soon as you approach, your three guardians notice you and rush toward you at great speed, you anticipated this however and catch them without any troubles and start showering them with your love and affection. You notice Gefian changed, she has the same aura as Metraton and Luna, an aura of power.

>"Looks like you already know about the good news I wanted to bring you, Gefian. You give off the same aura as Metraton and Luna. And now to make it finally official, your Temple is fully restored to its former glory." you say.

>"This is true. It has been centuries since I last felt so good. Just the fact that my temple has been restored and that more and more worshipers are coming to me, I feel more alive." she replies.

>"I hope you will like it, and it's thanks to the hard work of almost a thousand workers from all races that venerate you that helped rebuild it. Congratulations on your return to the world, Goddess Gefian." you tell her.

You smile and approach her, you start patting her head once you are closer and Gefian gives you her own warm smile.

>"You did something extraordinary, and for that you have my eternal gratitude.">You deserve a reward. How about becoming my high priestess ?" she asks you.

>"Your High Priestess ? what does this imply ?" you inquire.

>"One day, when you have decided, organize a ceremony in my temple, I will appear and give you my blessing. your body will be stronger, you will become very fertile, you will be able to bear children without suffering too much difficulty, and the gestation time will be reduced. So, what do you think ?" she explains.

Do you accept to become the high priestess of the goddess of fertility ? If you accept you will gain :
-New skill : childbearing.
-Strength capped at 12
-Endurance capped at 15
-Chance of pregnancy HIGHLY increased.
-Pregnancy only last 7 months.

On the to-do-list is
1. Have a few kids
2. seduce waifus(need still work on Irene,Aleanor,Ellisa )
3. destroy the Dark
4. destroy the Light
5. become immortal
6. become a god (maybe?)
7. pet Metraton, Luna and Gefian
8. pet Rimmirra the green dragon and give him belly rubs
9. buy new toys for our three elfs blindfold and lewd nights?
10.learn stuff from Luna/ Metraton/ Gefian (magic payment is headpats)
11.get rid of all the Grandmasters(Order of the Light)
12.learn all the languages with Gweyr
13.learn the way of smugness from our mother

>>4336981
>Do you accept to become the high priestess of the goddess of fertility ?
Before i accept it what will the other gods of the North think about this and will i be able to earn there blessing as well?

>>4337003
+1

>>4337003
+1, also ask if by accepting her blessing will also increase our chances of having twins or triplets, and if we could bless people to become more fertile.

First thing we’ll do if we accept the blessing is to consecrate Silviana’s boobs.

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>>4337003
>>4337015
>>4337207
>"Before I accept it, what will the other gods of the North think about this ?" you ask.

>"They will think what they want, but it will prove that you have direct contact with me, it will surely make you more interesting in their eyes, but I cannot guarantee anything." she replies.

>"I see. And if I accept, will I be able to earn their blessing as well ?" you inquire.

>"Technically nothing can stop you from being blessed by all the gods, but some of them could consider it distasteful or rude having to share the same mortal. It depends on the god, really." she explains.

>"So I'll need to speak with each of them about this. But tell me Gefian, is accepting your blessing will also increase my chances of having twins or triplets ?" you say.

>"Of course, but there is no way to be sure, maybe you can use my blessing to put the odds on your side when you want it, but you can never be sure. Isn't that what make motherhood interesting ?" she smiles.

>"And if I become your high priestess, I could bless people to become more fertile." you declare.

>"Exactly, to a lesser extent obviously. You will just increase the chances of conceiving during a period, until fertilization is completed. If I were you, I would organize a festival specially dedicated to the thing. But it is only if you accept of course." she says.

So you have it, so do you agree to receive her blessing ? Unless you have other question ?

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>>4338261
>So you have it, so do you agree to receive her blessing ? Unless you have other question ?
Then with this knowledge i would love to receive your blessing blessing Gefian but i would have to decline the high priestess position for now, since i am the Empress and have to at least pretend that i care about the Light, the Dark and the Gods of the North equally strong and where i to become a high priestess both the Bishop of the Church of the Light and the Black Moon Inquisitor would make one problem after another. And one more question what kind of Guardian will i receive from you Gefian? Maybe pic?

>>4338261
Accept the blessing.

>>4338261
>>4338289
>>4338342
Support

>>4338261
Support >>4338289

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>>4338289
>>4338342
>>4338353
>>4338720
You think for a moment, then you make your choice.

>"Then with this knowledge I would love to receive your blessing, Gefian. But I would have to decline the high priestess position for now, since I am the Empress and have to at least pretend that I care about the Light, the Dark and the Gods of the North equally. If I was to become a high priestess both the Bishop of the Church of the Light and the Black Moon Inquisitor would pester me and make one problem after another." you say.

>"Ah yes, the mortals matter of politics. I understand perfectly, even if I find it disappointing. But don't worry, I don't hold it against you, you must do what is best." Gefian replies.

>"Again, I'm sorry. But one more question, what kind of Guardian will I receive from you ?" you inquire.

>"I am the goddess of fertility, and holy mother of the minotaur. I believe a raging bull would be very suitable, don't you think so ? It will be offered to you when you are in my temple." she smiles.

>"I will be there. Now if that' not too much I would like your opinion, the three of you, on a particular subject. I will soon meet several witches, through a friend. Do you know something about the Witches or how do best deal with them ?" you ask them.

>"The mentality of witches is close to their way of using magic. It is therefore unlikely that you can coax them with promises or beautiful speeches." Luna says.

>"Beyond potions and charms, witches hold their powers from the agreements they make with spirits and other magical entities. It is a kind of ritual transaction." Metraton adds.

>"Yes, my friend Ellisa told me about it some times ago." you tell them.

>"Then that how you win them over. Convince them that you have come to bargain, and make them an offer they can't refuse. You and Lazarus have several assets that WILL interest them." he adds.

So you should sway the witches to your side by offering them something they can't refuse, and your husband and you have a lot of things that could interest them. The list is quite long, like a place to practice their craft without disturbance with the MRC, or binding demons to their will thank to Lazarus.
Do you have other questions ? Or do you wake up ?

>>4340915
Do you have other questions ? Or do you wake up ?
Well there is one more thing. Metraton you recall what you said to me on how i should best takl to Rimmirra to convince him? "Talk about the War of the Beasts, and tell him about the Boneyard, and ask him if his kind still feels the shame they felt that day" thats what i need to talk with him about and that he might not take to kindly to it, i plan to have this talk in one or two days after the Witch meeting so you can prepare to intervene quickly. I think that you knowing the time of that meeting will only help.

>>4340915
Support >>4340961

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>>4340961
>>4341784
>"There is one more thing. Metraton, you recall what you said to me on how I should best talk to Rimmirra to convince him ?" you ask.

>"Yes, I remember quite well."

>"You said, and I quote you,. "Talk about the War of the Beasts, and tell him about the Boneyard, and ask him if his kind still feels the shame they felt that day". That's what I need to talk with him about, and he might not take to kindly to it."

>"That"s the point., it will force a reaction out of him."

>"Well, I plan to have this talk in one or two days after the Witch meeting, so you can prepare to intervene quickly. I think that you knowing the time of that meeting will only help."

>"That's a good idea, I watch over you at all time, but knowing when to intervene is good. But remember, a couple of seconds is enough, so be ready."

>"I will, thank you Metraton."

Having finished, you thank the three gods once again and wake up.

.

.

.

.


The third week of June, you will soon leave with Elissa for Asoevia, to take part in the meeting of the coven of witches, and you have several choices.

First how you will be equipped. CHOOSE

+ CLOTHINGS AND ARMORS :
- Royal Blue dress.
- Empress dress. (+2 to intimidation roll)
- Bold Crimson dress. (+2 to persuasion roll)
- Silver Moon dress. (+2 to diplomacy roll)
- Regal Blue dress. (+2 to politics roll)
- Silver and black dress. (+2 to intimidation roll)
- Regal Green dress. (+2 to diplomacy roll)
- Adventuress outfit + black hair dye (able to go incognito)
- Ordamark Armored battle dress. (armor -3 enemy combat roll)
- Mithril Armored battle dress. (armor -5 enemy combat roll)
- Cloak of the White Wolf of Ordamark (+2 to persuasion roll)

+ WEAPONS :
- Steel and Moonstone rapier.
- repeating crossbow.
- Vampiric Claw : recover 10% of damage dealt as HP.
- Antique Longsword : +15 damages, cause 5 HP damages for the duration of the fight.
- Seratted Dagger : Cause 5 HP damages from intense bleeding for the duration of the fight.
- Blade Bow : Can fight in close quarter while using the bow. (training required)
- Spikeguard Sword : Roll 1d2 along with combat roll. Cause 8 HP damages bonus if dice = 1.
- Broad Flat Blade : 5 HP damages bonus against armored opponents.

There is also the question of how you will be traveling
>By carriage, with escort.
>By carriage only.
>On horses.
>Try flying with Tyrande.
>Other (write-in)

>>4342958
>First how you will be equipped. CHOOSE

CLOTHINGS AND ARMORS :
-Ask Elissa whats best suited for our planned talks

WEAPONS :
-None since we have Feral Form+Ice armor and our Guardians

There is also the question of how you will be traveling
By carriage, with escort. No need to worry Lazi just yet

>>4342958
>>4343772
Support

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>>4343772
>>4344009
First of all, you asked Ellisa what's best suited for talking to a group of witches. She tells you that there is no particular way to dress, because witches come from all levels of society, armor would be useless, because you will not fight. A dress is best, but something simple that shows who you are without overdoing it.
In the meantime, you won't take any weapons, you know several dangerous spells and you have your guardians to defend you, so there is nothing to fear. As for travelling, you will take a carriage, with an escort of guardsmen. If you didn't you're sure would have been worried, even if he wouldn't show it.

Now for the dress :
> Royal Blue dress.
> Empress dress. (+2 to intimidation roll)
> Bold Crimson dress. (+2 to persuasion roll)
> Silver Moon dress. (+2 to diplomacy roll)
> Regal Blue dress. (+2 to politics roll)
> Silver and black dress. (+2 to intimidation roll)
> Regal Green dress. (+2 to diplomacy roll)
> Cloak of the White Wolf of Ordamark (+2 to persuasion roll)

>>4344439
Now for the dress :
>> Regal Green dress. (+2 to diplomacy roll)
>> Cloak of the White Wolf of Ordamark (+2 to persuasion roll)

>>4344439
>>4344449
Support

>>4344439
>>4344449
>>4344499
Support

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>>4344449
>>4344499
>>4344584
You put on your Regal Green dress and take your Cloak of the White Wolf of Ordamark, it will show them that you are coming as an empress, but that you are there to listen.
When you finish getting ready, there is a knock on the door and after you have given your authorization, Ellisa enters, she wears her witch outfit.

>"The coach is waiting for us at the entrance, and the guards are ready, we are just waiting for you." she says.

>"I'm ready, I just finished putting on my dress. So, how do I look ?" you ask her.

>"You look gorgeous, like an elven princess. Except that I have never seen or heard of a red-haired elf." she replies with a smile.

>"I'm going to hide my more non-human features with an illusion spell, but only for the people we could meet on the way, knowing that I'll have witches in front of me, they'll see right through it" you tell her.

>"That's right, it would be like an insult if you went in with an illusion." she explains.

Once everything is ready you leave the room and leave for the entrance to the castle. You say goodbye to everyone, Silviana holds your daughter in her arms after you hugged her with all your affection, and you kiss your husband with all your love.

>"Be careful, and don't take unnecessary risks." he says.

>"I will, and don't forget to do what we have planned, and take good care of our daughter." you tell him.

>"I will watch over her at all times, and Silviana will take care of her, everything will be fine." he replies.

>"I love you." you declare.

>"I love you too." he adds.

After a last kiss, you and Ellisa got into the carriage and, with your escort, you leave. You suddenly have a strange feeling that takes hold of you, being separated from your daughter and from your husband twists your heart, you never felt that before, you were always so confident, and now you don't feel so sure you want to leave. But you can't go back now, it's only a matter of days at best.
The small column move toward the gates of the city and soon enough you are out of Drack Keep, you are now moving toward the frontier with the kingdom of Asoevia, where the witches gathering will take place.
Roll me 1d100 for your travel, best out of three.
And there is also the question of what you are going to do during the travel and stops.
And how are you going to sleep at night ?
>In your own tent.
>Share a tent with Ellisa.
>Only stop at taverns and hostels.
>Don't stop, sleep in the carriage.
>In simple bedrolls outside.
>Other (write-in)

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4346475
>>Only stop at taverns and hostels.

>>4346475
>Only stop at taverns and hostels.
Share a room with Ellisa, but different beds.

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>4346475
>Only stop at taverns and hostels.

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4346475
>>4346484
>>4346487
>>4346491
Support

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78 = HIGH SUCCESS
You decide with Ellisa to only stop at taverns and hostels, it will be more comfortable than sleeping in a tent.

You travel through Drack Realm, the weather is good, the villages are full of activity, and around you in the fields the peasants are busy silaging, and start haymaking around this time. The hay will be used to feed livestock in the winter. When your carriage passes, people stop to look, a carriage of this quality, with so many horses and a Guardsmen escort leaves no doubt about the identity of the occupants, and some of them greet you as you pass. "All hail the Empress Freya." "Glory to you, your highness." You even say hi with a smile, waving your hand to them.

>"I still find it incredible how well liked you are by the commoners, you can see they are genuine about it too, it is rare for a ruler to be so loved, even more so with what your husband did just two years ago." Ellisa tells you.

>"Many of my decisions in the past two years have been very beneficial to the people, I did it because I think it is the right thing to do as a monarch, but it is normal that they appreciate me." you reply.

>"Don't jinx it, with the luck that you seem to have, what is a simple journey could become an adventure. Not that I am against it." she says with a smug smile.

You travel all day. As the sun is setting you have traveled a good distance and you are looking for where to spend the night. You find near the road a small hamlet, no more than three houses, but with an inn, and it seems to be crowded. You get out of the carriage and six Guardsmen follow, as you approach the sound of loud discussion, laughter, music and other tavern noises come to you. Once you enter you see many people, peasants, some merchants, a group of musicians, and some armed people, may be adventurers or mercenaries, or bandits, but impossible to be sure. When you enter with your escort the music stops and everyone turns to you, this reaction is what can be expected. One of your men immediately hits the ground with his spear with great noise.

>"Her Imperial Highness Freya Drack, Dark Queen of the north, Chains-Breaker, Caregiver, Blessed by Luna, Queen of Flames, Empress of the Drack Empire. Her Royal Highness Ellisa White Wind, Queen of Asoevia." he declares.

Everyone stands up, those who have a helmet or hat take it off, and lower their head. You come in with your friend, and a cheerful and stocky man bows to you.

>"My Queens, it is an honor to have to here, welcome to my humble tavern, is there anything I can do for you ?" he says.

>"Thank you, raise your head. We are looking for a nice room to spend the night, one with two beds." you reply.

>"Of course, we have a very nice room, unfortunately below the splendor that you deserve, but i hope this will suit you." he tells you.

A barmaid guide you upstair, and show you your room, it's as nice as one can expect from the biggest, most expensive room a tavern can have, but it's good enough for a night.

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After your stuff has been brought up and a guard is posted outside your room, you sit on your bed while Ellisa unpacks one of her bags. Downstair, the music and noises have picked up again.


>"It seems nice, but some of the patrons earlier seem suspicious to me." she says.

>"They may be mercenaries, I don't see bandits trying something. We should just relax." you tell her.

>"Perhaps. Anyway, what do you want to do ? I never went inside a tavern for the night, Should we go downstair and have a look ? Or should we stay here, we could ask for food to be brought in the room, and maybe they have a tub clean enough so we can clean ourselves." she asks.

What do you decide ?
>Go downstair (do what ?)
>Stay here (do what ?)
>Other (write-in)

>>4348358
>>Stay here (do what ?)
-Talk with Ellisa on how Withces deal with one another and on how she find them

>>4348358
>>4348388
+Maybe send a Guard down to hear what rumors are around and to keep an eye out that nothing happend

>>4348358
>>4348388
>>4348403
Support

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You think it's benst to stay in your room, your meal will be brought here. In addition a guard will stay downstair and mingle with the patrons to hear what rumors are around and to keep an eye out to make sure nothing happen. A young barmiad brought you chicken legs, vegetable broth, bread, raw onion and cheese, a simple common meal. As you dig in you talk with Ellisa while eating.

>"Can you tell me how Witches deal with one another ? Since it is a secret lifestyle they can't all be sending letters to each others." you say.

>"It depends on the witch. Do not forget that this is not a unified schooling entity like a mage school, if witches gather in coven, they have probably known each other for a long time. If a witch meet another one they mostly ignore each other. There may be a rivalry between two witches or a group, but this is rare." she replies.

>"But if they ignore each other, how did you find them ?" you ask.

>"A bit of luck actually.I sent some servants to ask some questions, and announcements were placed in the adventurer's guild of Asoevia, rather vague but with enough detail to attract the attention of a witch. I then received a letter, and continued until now." she explains.

>"You mean to tell me you never meet any witches ? All of this was planned by letters ?" you inquire.

>"Yes, there was no other way, they want to be sure it's not a trap." she tells you.

But this mean it could be a trap for you. Do you ask anything else ? Or do you do something else with Ellisa ? Or go to sleep ?

>>4351756
>Do you ask anything else ? Or go to sleep ?
No need for more questions since we truste Ellisa and she is smart enough not to fall for a trap so lets go to sleep

>>4351775
+Maybe ask if she had luck with finding her old teacher since the last time we asked

>>4351756
>>4351775
>>4351896
Support

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>>4351775
>>4351896
>>4351937
Well you trust her enough to not fall for a trap so you let go of this subject.

>"If if you did that, did you have any luck finding the old maid that taught you witchcraft ?" you ask her.

>"Unfortunately I had no such luck. I tried but it's as she vanished. This gathering will give me the opportunity to ask if they heard about her." she replies.

So she didn't find her. It has been years, she could be anywhere now, but you have a feeling that she will find her one day. You finish eating, and ask for a tub to bath. Unfortunately, they don't have one big enough so a person can fit inside, so you make to by standing in and cleaning yourself with a wet cloth, Ellisa did it first and you cleaned after, and soon enough you go to sleep ready to wake up early.

The next day. You wake up at dawn and have a light breakfast, you eat at the hostel, there are much fewer people and it is much quieter than yesterday, the customers having left home, hit the road at closing or gone to bed. A guard gives a purse of gold to the owner of the inn, and you get back in the coach to resume the journey. You ask the guard that you have ordered to stay in the main floor of the tavern if he has heard interesting rumors and he reports to you. Much of it is nonsense or mundane things, but there is still a couple of rumors worth hearing.
-It is said that a great horde is causing turmoil in the far east, and some say that once they have no one else to fight, their gaze will be on the west.
-In he south, Hagëndorff's armies crossed the Old Forest, passed the city of Koblenz, and are approaching the dwarf city of Kazadgrund. The imperials, the Order of the Light and the Paladins of Justice will be gathered here before marching on Moork.
-In the meantime, the Black Moon gathered its armies and took control or destroyed the fortress near Moork, Giving it full control of the region. They are gathering near Tzaroth Pitt, the great chasm of the east.
-Both sides are recruiting any mercenaries or adventurers willing to fight.
-It is said the Oracle didn't open its doors for quite some times now. People are saying we are moving toward a period of great calm, if the Oracle have nothing to say, nothing big will happen.

All of this is really interesting, but nothing you can do anything about right now.
.
.
.
.
Days have passed, you are now in Asoevia, the summer solstice is almost here, and you are getting closer to the gathering place. You didn't stay inactive during those days with Ellisa. What did you do ?

>>4353516
>So she didn't find her
I`m sure she will be at the meeting maybe even in a leading role, at least i wouldn`t be surprised

What did you do ?
-Get a look at Asoevia and see how it does under Ellisa rule and ask her how her little projekt on the lost shores is doing
-How is the Thoreric part that she got doing?
-Ask Ellisa what she shouldn`t do when we deal with the witches

>>4353516
Support >>4353565

But what else could we do?

>>4353565
>>4354448
Writing.

>>4354448
What >>4353565 wrote is a good example.
And you are alone with Ellisa for days, since you guys are like the "consciousness" of Freya, the little voices in her head, you can basically do whatever you want, if it's in character.

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>>4353565
>>4354448
During the journey through the kingdom, you could observe how Asoevia is doing under Ellisa's rule. Around you, people seem well fed and happy. The villages look well maintained, the fields are cultivated, and you come across patrols of Asoevian's Zwei Hander, the Guardsmen of the kingdom. All in all, it seems that the kingdom is doing well under your friends rule. On the way you asked her how the Thoreric part she got and her little project on the Lost Shores were doing, she did her best to continue to improve the parts that were destroyed during the war, and she was surprised when a large group of people, saying that they were former slaves freed by you arrived and helped rebuild. As for her Lost Shores project, she has trouble finding settlers and volunteers, people have a good life on the mainland and don't want to move to these parts. Later you asked her if there was something you shouldn't do while meeting the witches. She says that since you are only a guest, you shouldn't say anything until they ask you. You can watch all you want, but they'll be insulted if you say something, even giving your honest opinion or asking for details about what is going on. And you should remember to remove the illusion that hide your more inhuman facial features.

You are getting closer to a village at sunset, at the edge of a forest which seems very large and old, Ellisa tells you that it is the place. You enter the village, everyone seems normal, the locals go about their business and you go to the tavern. It is smaller than some of the places where you spent your nights during the trip. The owner and the two waitresses welcome you, and you take the best available room, and once you are inside your friend immediately go lie on the bed.

>"So you said it was the place. Where are we going exactly ?" you ask.

>"It's inside the forest, we'll go once night as fallen, the gathering will start at midnight. We'll go alone and without torches." she replies.

>"Should I send a guard to ask around if more people arrived in the village recently ?" you inquire.

>"No, it would leave a bad impression if they learn we investigated. From now on we should do what we have to do without thinking too much about it, and see what's going to happen." she explains.

If that's how it is, you remove your coat and lie on your bed as well, trying to sleep a little before going outside.
Hours later, Ellisa wake you up, it is time to go. You get dressed, leave the tavern, tell the guards to stay in the village, and walk to the forest. As you enter the woods you can already see that this forest is old, there is no trace of recent cuttings, the villagers do not seem to have cut down trees here since ancient times. The sky is clear and the moon is clear, giving you enough light to see where you are going, but already the trees darkens your surroundings, You follow Ellisa, who seems to know where you need to go.

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>"This is an old forest, coven probably gathered here for decades, maybe centuries." you say.

>"That's probably the truth, the whole place seems imbued with magic, it's not man made, it's ancient." Ellisa explains.

>"Yes, I have this feeling, a little oppressive actually." you tell her.

>"There may be spirit wandering around. Watch out, they won't attack us like that, but you can never be sure."

You walk for a long time, you do your best to not tear your clothes on the branches, rocks and other obstacles, it is made more difficult by the fact that it's becoming darker as you progress. You are very deep in the forest, it's getting colder and you notice things in trees or on rocks, symbols, totems and the like. The wind start howling, and you can't shake the feeling that you are being watched. Ellisa and you arrives in front of what look like a great irregularity of the ground, like a hill. Old, large trees grow between the rocks, and there is an entrance, like a cave. Several symbols and totems are around, like silent guardians.
Roll me 1d100, best out of three.

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>4356621

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>4356621

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>4356621

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>>4356632
>>4356636
>>4356647
83 HIGH SUCCESS
The feeling that you are watching this more present fact, from the corner of your eye you seem to see vaguely humanoid shapes among the trees, but when you turn to look there is nothing. If they are spirits, they are just watching you.

> "Well, let's go in. It will soon be midnight." Ellisa says.

As soon as she turns her head towards the cellar, a hooded figure stands before her, and your friends let out a cry of surprise, it's cute actually.

> "Welcome, Ellisa of the White Wind, and welcome to you, Dark Empress. We were expecting you. Follow in silence, would you follow me in silence, if you please." the figure say, with the voice of a middle-aged woman.

So they were waiting for you, interesting. With your guide, you go into the cave, you take the opportunity to cancel the facial illusion spell. You walk for a while, there are torches at regular intervals, but not enough to have a clear vision and you have to be very careful where you walk, the ground is sometimes mud, sometimes stone with or without moss, and it is very slippery. The cave is full of vegetation, ferns and weeds, mushrooms, and you can hear water in different places. You have a lot of questions that you would like to ask, but you remain silent, following Ellisa's advice, your friend and your guide don't say anything either. You soon come to a straight line, at the end you see light, and you hear noises, like ritual chants. You enter a vast cave, in the middle is a big bonfire, big like three men, the flames lining the caves of fleeting shadows and lights and smoke and you are not alone. Dozens of hooded people are present, around the fire or a little behind, watching. There are distinctive signs on some people, such as a scarf, a belt, a shoulder strap, a necklace or a headband. You assume that everyone comes from different social levels, and that witchcraft is what brings them together. Your guide turn around.

>"You will now stay here until your names are called. Until then, just look." she says.

You stay here, at the entrance of the cave, observing what is going on. Then from the other side, exiting another tunnel, another robber figure appear, this one is probably an old lady, if her hunched over posture is any indication. When she enters, all chants stop.

>"I welcome you. It gives me great pleasure to see familiar faces again, and I am proud to see them again. For this night, let's forget all our rivalry, our apathy, our secrets, and share together what makes us sisters." She declares.

The chants start again, this times some of them start dancing, some get closer to the fire while other approach the old hooded figure. Are they starting some sort of rituals ?
What do you do ?
>Ask Ellisa if the know what's going to happen.
>Try to approach of the attendee. (roll 1d100)
>Get closer to the old woman she looks like she is the leader here. (roll 1d100)
>Do as you were told and stay put for now.

>>4359628
>>Do as you were told and stay put for now.

>>4359628
>>Do as you were told and stay put for now.
Lets stay quiet for now and see what happens and be ready to summon our Guardians if things go bad

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>>4360306
>>4360427
It's best to stay quiet for now and see what happens. If things go awry you can summon your Guardians. It's very strange, it looks like a mixture of social celebration and a ritual. Some Sorceress is simply talking to each other, those around the fire are dancing and singing mystical songs, and you think you see faces in the flames. The few witches approaching the old looking figure get on their knees, another hooded figure give a bowl to the leader, and she takes the liquid in it, and seems to be drawing symbols, but you can't see precisely. It lasts a while, and then suddenly the chief raises her arms, and everyone stops.

>"My sisters, today is a special day, we have a young woman initiating in the mystical arts, and she wishes to join us. Let us welcome this young pretender together."

Everyone turns towards you, you understand that Ellisa is called to approach, and she advances towards the chief, crossing the group of witches who leaves her room. When she is standing in front of the leader, she greets her by lowering her head.

>"Ellisa of the White Wind, you came to us to become a real witch. You have power within you, but you lack the guidance and the knowledge to harness your full potential. But even more, you miss someone who understands you, someone with whom you can share your difficulties, someone to help you. But to be accepted among us at a price, are you willing to pay it ?"

>"I am ready." your friend declares

>"So you made your choice. Then let us begin."

The old woman removes her hood and robes, and yo try to not show any emotions as you see what is beneath. She is ugly, even horrible, with a long hooked nose, baldness, pustules and deep wrinkles. her body is thin and twisted you wonder how she manages to stand up. This woman is the very image of a witch who came out of stories to scare children. The other witches approach Ellisa, the one around the fire resumes their songs, and two other sort of the tunnel with two goats. To your surprise, Ellisa undresses, until she is naked, the flames giving a more than sensual look to her body. She kneels, and the goats are brought to her side, their bleating making the general atmosphere very uneasy and grim for your taste. The old witch utters incantations you don't understand, and suddenly, the others slaughter the goats, their blood splashing on your friend. While the beasts empty their blood, the incantations are stronger, the witches collect the blood of dying animals and begins to spill blood on Ellisa. Your friend is covered up after a while, it's a disturbing sight you have to admit. But as you watch, you can see the old woman, holding a knife Ellisa can't see, her eyes closed with blood. What will she do, is this a trap ?
What do you do ?
>Stay put.
>Yell at them to stop.
>Intervene. (roll 1d100)
>Other (write-in)

You have one hour to vote.

>>4362336
>What do you do ?
>>Stay put.
Lets put our trust in her and see what happens, after all we needed to die too to awakening our magic powers maybe its the same with them. But if they just butcher her and she doesn't come back and is simply killed off we can avenge her and get her back to Drack's Keep so that the Black Moon Inquisitor can revive her

>>4362336
>Stay put.
For now, anyway.

>>4362336
>>4362371
>>4362379
Support but this better works i like Ellisa

>>4362371
>>4362379
>>4362407
>We stay put and watch.
Writing

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You thought about doing something but decide against it. You have put your trust in Ellisa, and you will continue to do so. The old woman walks over to Ellisa, and takes her arm, she uses my knife to make a large gash on your friend's forearm, her blood is soon flowing into a bowl. After several seconds, she lets go of Ellisa's arm and cuts her arm too, letting her blood run into the bowl and mix. Then another witch does the same, then another and so on, until a dozen of them have done so, and the bowl is filled. The old woman takes the bowl with two hands and hands it to your friend, she takes it, closes her eyes and drinks it entirely. The songs of the witches are made even stronger, as if they arrived at the climax of this congregation. Suddenly Ellisa's eyes jerks open, full white, just like when she used her full power during the failed coup of last year. The chorus of witches stops, and Ellisa collapses, losing consciousness. You take a step forward, but hold back from going further. You look at her, biting your lips of concern, time pass, and you start to be afraid. But in your relief, you see her move, with difficulty she sits up, coughs, sits down, then after a while she gets up. You don't notice any changes, but the old woman smiles and spreads her arms.

>"And so you're one of us now, a real witch. Welcome to you, sister, may your power be your for all eternity, and may the spirits accompany and support you. Ellisa of the White Wind." she says.

The other witches chants her name, one of them brings her the same black hooded cloak that she all wears, and another takes care of her arm. After a while, the old woman reveals her arms and the witches fall silent once more.

>"This night is exceptional in many ways. We have a new sister among us, but we also have a guest tonight, a most interesting person. The Empress Freya Drack herself has requested a meeting. Dark Queen, if you please, come closer, and let us talk." she declares.

You take it as an authorization to advance, and very calmly you advance in the cave, passing the bonfire and the mass of witches. You now are in front of the old woman, you glance at Ellisa and she give you a simple, barely noticeable nod.

>"The Dark Queen of the north, the Chains-Breaker, the Caregiver, Blessed by Luna, the Queen of Flames. You have a lot of titles, and a lot of feats to your very name. You changed a lot of things for good or bad, in the wake of your husband's carnage. You birthed the spawn of a dread knight, but an air of purity and kindness surrounds you. You are both an open book and a conundrum for many. I think I have an idea of the reasons for your coming here. But don't let the words of an old woman confuse you, I am personally happy to have you here. So tell us, what can the witches do for you, you who already hold so much power ?" she says.

>I have questions.
>I want you to join me.
>I want to bargain.
>Other (write-in)

>>4362618
>>Other (write-in)
I was told that Witches like to bargain, so if come to bargain with you but before that i have a few questions if i may.
-What kind of ritual was that?
-Just how far spread are you?
-Ask for Ellisas first teacher the Maid that taught her.
-Ask what she might want from the burgain

And as for the main bargain I want you to join me or better the Empire. As for how i still need to make a law about witchcraft to legalize it and i will need your help with that. There could also be a extra building at the Magical Research Center just for you where you might find better new initiates and so you can teach there but why need tell me what you want out of this bargain yourself. As for what i get out of the bargain well its rather simple the Witches won't develop into a thorn in my site in the future if they are my ally and we won`t be a problem for one another and the same goes for you as for the necromancers i see potential in both your work in the future.

>>4362618
>>4362725
Lets change this by only using

>>Other (write-in)
I was told that Witches like to bargain, so if come to bargain with you but before that i have a few questions if i may.
-What kind of ritual was that?
-Just how far spread are you?
-Ask for Ellisas first teacher the Maid that taught her.
-Ask what she might want from the burgain

and the rest can be changed or expanded with what she wants

>>4362618
>>4363913
Support

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>>4362725
>>4363913
>>4363954
Having permission to speak, you go straight to the heart of the matter.

>"I was told that Witches like to bargain, so I've come to bargain with you. But before that, I have a few questions if I may."

The Old witches looks at you, the mention of bargain picked her interest, but you putting it aside for questions show and leaving her wondering show her that you are at least not just a pretty queen.

>"Of course. I'll do my best to satisfy your curiosity."

>"Thank you, First of all, what kind of ritual was that ?" you ask, talking about the ordeal Ellisa had to go through."

>"This ritual allows an aspiring witch to open her mind, to let her power flow into every part of her body. Witches are not like mages, they do not use a power reserve they have in them."

>"Queen Ellisa kind of explained this to me, you contract spirits and magical entities to use their power."

>"Exactly. A dangerous process should you be too greedy with power. More than one witch has lost even her soul. Idiots they were. This ritual helped your friend see beyond her own body and soul, help her find other, safer ways to bargain with the spirits."

>"I see. You speak of other witches. Just how far spread are you ?"

>"Everyone you see here are probably the majority of the witches of the north. We planned this meeting for a long time."

You look around, there must be at least 50 witches here.

>"Of course they are some that didn't came, or loners who prefer to stay in the background. We do not often have new sisters, often several years pass before a new witch is presented to us here. But you can be sure that there is no more than a hundred witches in your empire. We are not exactly really popular, but compared to the stupid mages, its quality of quantity.

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You want to say the most powerful mages leading the MRC can flatten this cave twice, but refrain from doing so.

>"So you know most of the witches.Queen Ellisa didn't learn sorcery on her own, she was taught at a young age by a maid in her homeland. You probably heard about her. Do you know what happened to her ?"

>". . . . I remember someone, her name was Birnid, she was one of the youngest witches I inducted."

Wait, Ellisa's maid was supposedly really old. So just how old is she ?

>"She rarely came to our gatherings and was not part of any coven. The last time I heard from her, she was the maid our sister knew. I don't know what happened to her."

>"That's unfortunate. Thank you for answering my questions. Now, you are aware of why I am her, so I have one question for you. What might you do want from the bargain ?"

The old witch seems surprised, and starts thinking. Not knowing what you have to offer, she'll either try to get more informations based on how you'll react to her demands, or try go gain as much as possible without committing too much. You could also use your powers to sway her, making her decision more advantageous for you.
>Don't do anything.
>Use Persuasion (roll 1d100+9)
>Use Intimidation (roll 1d100+5)
>Use Divine Aura to boost your persuasion roll (add 5 to persuasion)

You have one hour to vote.

>>4364113
>>Don't do anything.
Lets just listen for now what she might want

>>4364113
Support >>4364115

>>4364115
>>4364146
Writing.

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You don't do anything, letting her ponder for a while instead. After a few minutes she speaks up again.

>"If we were to bargain, and I suppose you would bargain with us so we join the Drack Empire, there would be several things that we would want. First, make the practice of witchcraft legal, without fear of persecutions, especially from the Church of the Light, our dealing with the Faith of the North Gods were cordial, and the Black Moon seems to like us. Make sure no priest will torture one of our sisters or no angry mob hang a poor girl, and that will be a start. Second would be for us to stay independent from the other organisations of your empire, no need to integrate us with the idiots of the MRC. Third, each coven deal with each other without intervention from anyone, no local lord or even kings. We would listen to you and the Dark Lord, if we judge the matter to be worth addressing to you. Fourth, let us bind demons to our will, we know your husband have access to demon summoning, that's in part how he won the war, and we want to be able to harness their powers." she says.

She smiles, a crooked smile. She knows she's asking a lot, but she probably thinks that you will accept most of it,.
How do you reply ? Do you make a counter offer ?

>>4364225
>How do you reply ? Do you make a counter offer ?
About you joining the Drack Empire and making the practice of witchcraft legal are the reasons why im here so on these two we can agree. Now about the other Three, Second about you staying independent i have no problems with that but i would like it if one or two "real" Witches would teach at the MRC and who knows maybe you find some future Wiches there. To Third about the later part that i can agree with but i would like it if you would tell at least the other Kings that you where in there Kingdom not where only that you where there and that you wil help them if needed. One is far more welcome to someone new if the offer help. Now about the covens deal with each other without intervention, i take it nothing will really change there compared to before the deal was made but how will you deal with it IF a witch breaks our deal? Or can you promise me that without a doubt all witches would follow this deal? And now to the Fourth one i have to say simple NO i made him banish them all except for Urmach, i got rid of them and i don`t want new once in the North so i say to you the same as i told the Black Moon worshipers No.

>>4364225
Support >>4364279

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>>4364279
>>4364329
From what she just said, she decided to go all out and demanded everything she wanted for the witches to gain power. She probably expected you to make a counter offer anyway.

>"About you joining the Drack Empire and making the practice of witchcraft legal, those are the reasons why I'm here, so on these two we can agree." you say.

The old witch smile, this much was obvious, it's not that hold the most weight here.

>"Now about the other three. About you staying independent, I have no problems with that, but I would like it if one or two "real" witches would teach at the MRC and who knows, maybe you find some future Witches there." you tell her.

You know she will accept, this give them a lot of room to maneuver inside the MRC, giving them eyes and ears that only them control, without interferences from mages.

>"This seems doable. We'll discuss among ourselves and see if any of our sisters would volunteer. But your mages should stay away and hold their tongues." she replies.

>"I'll see to it. To your third demand. About the later part that I can agree with, but I would like it if you would tat least tell the other Kings that you are in their Kingdom at present, and that you will help them if needed. One is far more welcome to someone new if help is offered." you explain.

>". . . Only if we have guarantees that no reprisal will befall us. Until Witchcraft is officially made legal, and that our protection is adequately enforced then we will make our presence known in other kingdoms." she answers.

>"I understand, this can be arranged. Now about the covens dealing with each other without intervention, I take it nothing will really change compared to the time before this deal was discussed. But how will you deal with a witch that breaks our deal ? Or can you promise me that without a doubt all witches would follow this deal ?" you inquire.

>"Of course not, it would be naive and stupid for both of us to assume otherwise. If one of our sister goes rogue, we'll deal with her like we always do depending on how serious her offenses are. I can tell you that they won't go unpunished, and that the won't ever cause trouble again if it come to this." she answers.

>"I'll take your words as official promises then. And now to the fourth one. I have to say simple NO." you say.

You refusal was expected, but for you to be so cutting about it surprised the old witch. It would have benefited them the most, and was probably one of the parts of this deal she wanted the most. She probably expected you to negotiate.

>"I made my husband banish them all except for General Urmach, I got rid of them and I don't intend to have new ones in the North. So I'll give you the same answer I gave to the Black Moon worshipers. No." you declare.

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The old witch look at you, her ugly face not showing any particular emotion, around you the other witches are silent, Ellisa look at you, her eyes full of expectations, you believe that despite being accepted by her "sisters", she will still support you regardless.

>"You drive a hard bargain, but I can see how it could benefit our sisters. I have some counter offer myself, if you are willing to hear me out." the Old woman says.

She explains to you what could be the foundations of your law on witchcraft.

WITCHCRAFT LAWS
-The practice of witchcraft is legal in all regions and kingdoms of the Drack Empire.
-No hostile, hurtful or generally negatives actions can be made against witches by anyone.
-Witches have to follow imperial laws like any citizens.
-Witches breaking imperial laws will be dealt with by the other witches.
-If a rogue witch can't be dealt with by her sisters, the matter will be taken to the crown.
-No one can exercise authority over witches except the Dark Lord and the Dark Queen.
-Witches have to make their presence know to the king of the kingdom they are in.
-Witches are to answers call fro help from the king of the kingdom they are in.
-A couple of witches are to become teachers at the MRC.
-Witches of the MRC are an independent branch, under no supervision from the mages.
-Witches and coven can establish themselves wherever they want, as long as it doesn't go against imperial laws.

Do you agree ? Or change anything ?

>>4366274
>Do you agree ? Or change anything ?
I just have one or two additions to it but nothing much.

WITCHCRAFT LAWS
-If a rogue witch can't be dealt with by her sisters, the matter will be taken to the crown.
If a witch goes rogue i would like to be informed not only if you can't be dealt with by you

-A couple of witches are to become teachers at the MRC.
Try to be nice to them and as the "only" known Witches they will most likely be ask for advice or be used as a place to complain about witches

-Witches and coven can establish themselves wherever they want, as long as it doesn't go against imperial laws.
Is it possible to make a list of covens just for my Husband and I with only the name of the coven its place and number of witches nothing more

As for the rest i can agree with without adding to it

>>4366274
>>4366292
Support

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>>4366292
>>4367426
"It's good, but I just have one or two additions to it, nothing much. If a witch goes rogue, I will like to be informed right away, not only if you can't deal with them yourself. For the witches becoming teachers, try to be nice to the mages, as the "only" known Witches they will most likely be asked for advices, or be used as a place to complain about witches matters."

>"That's obvious, and I promise we'll find volunteers that are patient enough to deal with it without killing the fools."

>"Good. Witches and coven can establish themselves wherever they want, as long as it doesn't go against imperial laws, that's I agree with, but is it possible to make a list of covens ?Just for my Husband and I ? With only the name of the coven, it's location and number of witches, nothing more."

The old witch look at you right in the eyes, then close her own.

>"You will get your list, but beware, if you are using this against us, there will be consequences."

>"Is that a threat, sister ?" ask Ellisa menacingly.

The old witch stare daggers at her, but your friend holds her gaze and gives her a murderous look of her own.

>"Esteemed witch, Queen Ellisa, please. I understand your fear, and I promise in my name and in the name the empire that it will only be used by the Dark Lord and me for information, nothing more. As for the rest I can agree with without adding to it."

>". . . Then it's decided, the witch will join the Drack Empire. You can write in down once you are back to your rule if you want, we have no need for such thing, for us witches, words weight heavily."

It is done, you now have another, powerful force in your empire, one that is relatively autonomous, and answer only to you and Lazarus.

WITCHCRACFT LAWS
-The practice of witchcraft is legal in all regions and kingdoms of the Drack Empire.
-No hostile, hurtful or generally negatives actions can be made against witches by anyone.
-Witches have to follow imperial laws like any citizens.
-Witches breaking imperial laws will be declared as rogue.
-If a witch goes rogue, the matter will be directly taken to the crown.
-If a witch goes rogue, she will be dealt with by her sisters.
-If the witches can't deal with the rogue, the crow will intervene.
-No one can exercise authority over witches except the Dark Lord and the Dark Queen.
-Witches have to make their presence know to the king of the kingdom they are in.
-Witches are to answers call fro help from the king of the kingdom they are in.
-A couple of witches are to become teachers at the MRC.
-Witches of the MRC are an independent branch, under no supervision from the mages.
-Witches and coven can establish themselves wherever they want, as long as it doesn't go against imperial laws.

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After a few minutes a witch gives you a parchment, haphazardly written, with the informations on the coven. This information does not take into account witches operating alone, and who are not part of a coven, much like Ellisa.

+The Mystic Grove Sisters, located in Voyoba, Dark aligned. 14 witches.
+The Moonlight Coven, located in Thoreric, Shadow aligned. 23 witches.
+The Silver Flame Circle, located in Ordamark, Fire aligned. 15 witches.
+The Trinity Coven, located in Asoevia, Death aligned. 10 witches.
+The Forest Path Circle, located in Kiven, Beast aligned. 22 witches.
+The Setting Sun Coven, located in Turean, Fire aligned. 16 witches.

Now with the gathering over, the witches start to leave, and the same witch come to your side and guide you to the exit, you see that Ellisa is following you, without a guide of course, she is a full-fledged witch now, she can do as she pleases. You finally exit the cave, your guide nod and go back inside. You and Ellisa are now alone, in the dark and cold forest, the sun is not yet showing, it is still dark. You stay silent for a moment, look at each other, and both let out a long sigh of fatigue and relief, you look at each other again and burst out laughing.

>"That was something else. I'm glad I had you back there." she says.

>"I loved how you stood up to her," you reply.

>"Yeah who the hell does she thinks she is, threatening you like that." she exclaims.

>"Be all got what we wanted. For now let's go back to the village, I'm getting really tired." you tell her.

>"Same. . . . And I really need a bath." she declares.

You look at her, clothes in arms, under her black hooded robe she is still covered in dry blood, which must be unpleasant.

>"Understandable. I hope it won't take too long." you say.
.
.
.
You walked for some times, but finally exited the forest, and you are back in the village, and inside the tavern. Your guards have nothing to report, everything was calm, you asked the owner of the tavern (after a guard woke him up) to prepare everything you need for a bath. Luckily, it has a tub big enough for someone to take a bath and have it brought to your room. After a while the wooden tub was filled with water (lukewarm, unfortunately) and Ellisa removes her robe before entering, she sighs again, enjoying this, even if it's not as luxurious as she's used to.

>"It's going to take a while to remove all this blood. You can go ahead and sleep Freya, I'll see you tomorrow." She says, eye closed, relaxing in her tube.
What do you do ?
>Offer to clean her.
>Go to sleep.
>Stay with her and talk.
>Wait for her before going to sleep.
>Other (write-in)

>>4368189
>Stay with her and talk.

>>4368189
>Offer to clean her.
Keep it PG, though.

>>4368189
>>4368198
>>4368227
Support

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>>4368198
>>4368227
>>4368229
>"If you're not against it, I can help you clean yourself, so you can relax a little." you tell her.

>"You want to do it ? Well I don't mind, in fact I would love to." she smiles.

You remove your clothes until you are in your underwear, take a washcloth and start cleaning your friend. You delicately remove all the blood, moving and rubbing gently across her body. Her skin is pale and smooth, but you can see a hint of muscles, she didn't stay inactive and trained, probably even before becoming queen, in secret you suppose, you don't think her father would have approved.

>"So did you get what you wanted from our little trip ? Was it worth it ?"

>"Hum ? Oh, yes. There were some surprises but everything went really well. And spending more time with you was more than worth it." you grin.

>"Oh stop it you." she replies.

Once she is completely clean she gets out of the tub. She puts on her nightwear and you do the same, then the two of you goes sitting to your beds.

>"As we are no longer pressed for time, we can sleep longer tonight, no need to wake up early tomorrow. We will have a good breakfast, and we will probably leave at the end of the morning."

>". . . You know, why don't you come to Asoevia? It's not very far, and you could spend a day with me to visit the city. What do you think? And then it'll make us both spend more time together." she inquires.

You think about it. If you wake up early, and go south, you will reach the city just in time for dinner, you could then spend the next day with her and leave the day after. Doing this mean you will be back to Drack Keep just as July start. What do you do ?
>Accept her proposition.
>Reject her proposition.
>Other (write-in)

>>4371959
>>Reject her proposition.
>>Other (write-in)
Normally i would say yes but i have something planned for our Green Dragon friend Rimmirra in a few days. Something that might help me get a meeting with Queen Helennae and get us another allie.

>>4371959
>Accept her proposition.

>>4371989
We don't have time for this we talked with Metraton about the timing of the meeting with Rimmirra

>>4371959
Support >>4371981

>>4371959
>>4371981
+Maybe add that will can vist her when we return

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>>4371981
>>4372028
>>4373520
You would love to spend more time with her, ut you have other plans.

>"Normally I would say yes but I have something planned for our Green Dragon friend Rimmirra in a few days, something that might help me get a meeting with Queen Helennae and get us another ally." you tell her.

>". . . You know what, that's seem much more interesting than what I had planned. Let's leave tomorrow as soon as we wake up, I'm impatient to see how you are going to convince a dragon." she says.

>"I have my way. But once I'll return i will visit, it's a promise." you smile.

>"I'll take you up on that then." she replies.

You keep discussing together for some time, then you decide it's getting really late and go to sleep.

.
.
.
You wake up some hours later, not completely rested after such a long and hectic night, but you can still rest in the coach. You take a really light breakfast and after paying for your stay you leave the village, going back to Drack Keep. During the following days you follow the same path that you used on your way to the gathering. you still have a few days of travelling, what did you do during this time ?
>Nothing in particular.
>You trained your strength.
>You trained your endurance.
>You trained your dexterity.
>Other (write-in)

>>4375816
>>You trained your strength.

>>4375816
>You trained your strength.

>>4375816
>>4375820
>>4375862
Support

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>>4375820
>>4375862
>>4380368
You trained your strength during the journey. Everytime you stopped for the night you did several sets of various exercices that Irene had you do when you trained with her months ago, before your pregnancy. It's not the same as you did before, but doing it every night helped you.
>Strength +2 (next level : 4/6)
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Finally, after some days, you can see the walls of Drack Keep in the distance. You enter the city later, and as usual a crowd of curious people gather and the usual cheers follow when they recognize you, it always makes you happy to wave back to them, seeing the amazed faces of little boys and girls as the empress smiled at them. You arrive in front of the palace and get out of the coach with Ellisa, the Royal Guards stand at attention as you enter the castle. Inside, in the throne room, everyone is waiting for you, Lazarus is sitting on his throne, with yours at his right empty of course, awaiting for its empress to sit. At the right of your throne, Silviana is here, your daughter in her arms. The other members of your retinue are at their usual spots.

>"Welcome home my love. I hope your journey was pleasant and fruitful." Lazarus says

>"Thank you, dear husband of mine, and yes, this was a great journey, I'll tell you about it later. Queen Ellisa was the best travelling companions I could hope for and really helped me." you reply with a smile.

>"Then I have to thank you Queen Ellisa, you truly are a friend of the crown." he tells her.

>"All the honor is mine, your highness." she says as she bows her head.

You walk to your husband and give him a loving kiss, and then go to Silviana.

>"How was she during those few days ?" you ask.

>"She was an angel, really calm, only crying two or three times, and eating well. She had no troubles sleeping but required a lot of attention, especially after she wakes up, she likes to have someone to play with her." she replies.

You take back your daughter in your arms and go and sit on your throne next to your husband.

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Here is a little report on what has been going on those last few days while you were gone.
-Construction
Following your advices, Lazarus commissioned 10 more small ships from the Tharques.
> 10 Cogs from Tharque : 1 month,
> -5 finances.

-Diplomacy
Lazarus asked your spies to give details about the senate and the general, and who might be potential on board with an annexation of Tharque by the Drack Empire.
+The Senate is the most probable target, it could be easy to gain the loyalty of a great number of senators by promising them wealth and power, of course this mean they can't ever be fully trusted, if they can give away their country to you for money and power, they can do it with someone else.
+The general, named Julius Augustus Romulus, is a man fighting for his country and his men. It is unlikely you can make him a puppet, and he probably never accept foreign rule for the Tharque. Making an ally out of him could prove difficult, but COULD be rewarding or completely blow to your face.

There is also the matter of the three princes of Russland.
-Dmitry, the first son, ruling the area from Novgorod, he struggles to maintain his rule over the people and nobility.
-Andrey, the second son, ruling the Smolensk region. He's the one dealing with the minhgol horde, but your spies don't know what the deal is yet.
-Daniel, the youngest, ruling the region around Moskva, born from the second wife of the late Ruler, making his claim less legitimate. Seen as meek and humble, he wishes for peace first and foremost.

Lazarus sent out invitations for the End-Year Celebration, but have yet to receive a reply.
There was a letter for you, Lazarus didn't open it, as it is especially written to be given and read by the empress only. Do you read it now or alone ?
>Read it now.
>Read it alone.

>>4381334
>>Read it now.
With only Lazi around

>>4381334
Support >>4381342

Congratulation on running this quest for more then two years now Amex

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After reading the reports and getting updates no the situation while you were gone, it's getting late. You and Lazarus leave the throne room and go back to your bedroom. Once inside and alone with your husband, you decide to read the letter, you break the seal and start reading.

>"Your Imperial Highness, I, your loyal servant, Jokul, am sending you this letter as a report for the mission you had entrusted to us. We left a few days after our meeting in April and reached the ancient kingdom of Aigyptos. We immediately explored the surrounding desert and have already made some finds that I think may be of great interest to you. Here is a list of your "gifts"
List of "gifts"
- Crocolisk : Long-snouted reptile with six short legs and a long tail. Surprisingly fast on land. Related to the crocodile = 2 adults + 2 eggs.
- Scorpid : Quick, vicious, poisonous predators who stalk sand dunes in search of prey = 2 adults + 12 eggs.
- Giraffe : Not a war best, but an interesting creature nonetheless, a sign of wealth and nobility = 1 adult.
- Hyena : Carnivorous creature hunting in packs, their similarities to gnolls make them = 3 adults + 2 pups.
- Thorny Dragon : Giant lizard, not related to dragon, its thorns are more like spines or quills that can shot from its tail = 1 adult.

>"Such a massive shipment can only be transported by boat, and I had to fork out a small fortune, but they're on their way north, and if you get my letter in early summer, they should arrive late summer at best, or early fall at worst. If you are looking for more specific targets, feel free to send me a letter.
What kind of target do you want him to look for in priority ?
>Let him work at random.
>Small war beast, lot but not powerful.
>Large war beast, few but powerful.
>Exotic beast for wealth and prestige purpose.
>Other (write-in)

As you finish reading, you notice another page.
>"I would also like, my queen, to express my sincere apologies for my behavior towards you. I had time to think long and hard on the trip, and acted like a crank and an idiot, and you had the patience to put up with me. I promise you that I will behave with you in a manner worthy of your rank and prestige. Once again, I offer my sincere apologies and hope you will forgive me." with his name as signature
This is surprising, you didn't think he was the kind of man to reflect on his actions like this. How do you feel about those words ?

>>4384781
>What kind of target do you want him to look for in priority ?
>>Let him work at random.
>>Other (write-in)
First of all i want to congratulate you on such a rich catch. As for what to prioritize next i will leave that to you since you haven't disappointed yet in your ability to catch beasts.

How do you feel about those words ?
Good he starts to learn his place. Maybe he can be given a title and at a later date if the serves us well maybe give land. But he doesn`t need to know that just yet

>>4384781
Support >>4384812

>>4384812
Support

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>>4384812
>>4385039
>>4386664
After reading his personal words, you can't help but smile. He's starting to learn his place, that's good. Maybe you'll give him a title at a later date if he serves you well, and who know; maybe he'll gain some lands. But you keep that in mind for much later. You take a small parchment and write your answer.
"First of all, I want to congratulate you on such a rich catch. As for what to prioritize next, I will leave that to you since you haven't disappointed me in your ability to catch beasts yet. You have my blessing to keep doing what you do best." And you sign with your name, before putting the letter in an envelope and closing it with red wax and putting your seal.

>"So who was this letter from ?" Lazarus asks.

>"From the mercenary we recruited to catch beasts and monsters. We will soon receive from him many gifts which I think will make you very happy." you reply.

>"Perfect, given what we pay him, it's impressive that he works so fast, he must be really skilled. Anyway, now you are back, and we can relax until the Day of the Drack Empire." he says.

Well, there is still your plan with Rimmira, but it can wait until tomorrow. For now, you undress and after a bath with your husband and after getting your daughter to sleep, you join him on the bed and cuddle, falling asleep soon enough.