Examine the girl. Alive or dead?

it sounds like we, or maybe just you, are a new demon or something. does the naked lady have a knife wound? if so then the mortal you performed the sacrifice was consumed and transformed into you. act imposing and bellow 'Who dares summon me?' if they are confused then that means it wasn't a summon. so you can then say 'i'm just messing with ya, what's going on?'

Unleash some confused rage against the chanting masses. Pick one up and demand some answears while waving around the knife widly.

>>155897
>>155898
You're not a demon. You're guidance spirits.

...Wait, how do I know that? Am I really a demon?

I check the girl. She's alive, and there's no knife wound on her. There's no wounds on her at all. I turn to the crowd of robed people. I try to sound as imposing as I can.

Torus:"Who dares summon me?"

I have a sort of high-pitched voice. Instantly, everyone stops chanting and looks up. There's an awkward silence.

Torus:"I'm just messing with you. What's going on?"

The silence continues for a few more seconds before the whispering starts. Everyone looks confused. This is so awkward.

>>155903
I walk up to one of the robed people and pick him up by the collar. The person gasps. I can't tell if it's a male or a female.

Torus:"What the hells is going on?"
Robed person:"L- Lord Torus! I- I made no mistake in the incantation! Please have mercy on me if it wasn't up to your expectations!"

He's shivering with fear.

>>155907
Ask him what the fuck was supposed to happen?

Because something sure as fucking hell seems to have gone wrong and you assume they somehow fucked it up.

>>155907
"You fools, you erased my memories! Now what am I supposed to do?"

Give the guy a swift knee to the stomach.

>>155912
Lets keep that fact from them for now. It appears we ruled through quite a bit of fear. Loss of memories could indicate weakness and make them attack us.

>>155908
Should I really be this angry? It seems kind of mean.

Torus:"What the fuck was supposed to happen? I'm sure as the fucking hells that something seems to have gone wrong, and I assume you fucked it up!"
Robed person:"P- p- pardon m- me, L- Lord Tarus for s- speaking freely, b- but you were the o-one who interrupted us! Please have mercy!"

It looks as if he could cry any second now.

>>155912
>>155914
Uh, okay. But should I really be keeping secrets?

"no, something went wrong before my interruption. i interrupted once i fully realized something was wrong.


let's see.... if you did not make a mistake in the incantation, then the incantation itself is incorrect."

>>155918
You're in an unknown place with unknown people. They also seem perfectly fine with human sacrifice. Yes you should keep secrets.

And it's supposed to be mean.

Now lift him up to eye level so you can look him in the eyes and ask the following with a deceptively nice voice: "My memory is a bit hazy. What exactly is the purpose of this ritual and more specifically the chant?"

>>155922
>>155923
If I'm not supposed to be nice, I guess I'm supposed to be evil, correct?

Torus:"No, something went wrong before my interruption. I interrupted once I fully realized something was wrong. Let's see... if you did not make a mistake in the incantation, then the incantation itself is incorrect."
Robed person:"Pa- pardon me, but y- you're the one who had us memorize it."
Torus:"My memory is a bit hazy. What exactly is the purpose of this ritual, and more specifically, the chant?"
Robed person:"L- lord, you of all people sh- should know it was to gain ultimate power! Please have mercy, b- but the chance has been ruined forever!"

Is... this person serious? That seems so cliche. Why would I want to gain ultimate power? What happened to me in the past that made me want ultimate power?

Robed person:"T- there may be another way! Please have mercy!"

>>155932
Good and evil are just names. You're supposed to be you, not some identity based on your actions. You simply are, good and evil are just invented concepts, they have no more meaning than you give them.

Ultimate power is kind of nice you know. Can be used for a great many things.

Anyway, tell him to spit it out.

>>155932
most likely you were a generic evil dude with an ego the size of a castle.

>>155933
You know what? You're right. They're just names. Words. Meaningless.

Torus:"Spit it out!"
Robed person:"M- M- M- Murelle could attempt to f- find a way!"

I have no idea who that person is.
>>155936
But was I really? I guess we shall see.

>>155939
Ok, tell him to lead you to this Murelle person. Also ask him what his name is.

>>155939
"Fine, do it. Someone show me to my chambers."

>>155943
"- these damn hallways get confusing. and bring that sacrifice girl too."

>>155941
Torus:"What's your name?"
Robed person:"N- number 8 my lord."
>>155943
>>155944
Torus:"Fine. Do it. Someone lead me to my chambers. These damn hallways always get confusing. Bring the sacrifice girl as well."

Instantly, a few of the robed people stand up and jog toward the girl. One of them runs out into the hallway.

8:"Lord, I shall lead the way for you."

He starts walking toward the hallway. I follow him. The robed people that are holding the sacrafice girl are following me.

8:"B- by the way, many thanks for having mercy upon me, Lord Torus."

>>155949
Tell him that 8 is not a name, it's a number. What is his name.

>>155949
"Yeah well, obviously I'm the one at fault here. No point in killing people for shit they didn't do."

"if i killed someone every time something didn't work out quite right i wouldn't have very many people left to serve me."

>>155953
Torun:"Yeah well, obviously I'm the one at fault here. No point in killing people for shit they didn't do. Plus if I killed someone every time something didn't work out quite right, I wouldn't have very many people left to serve me."
8:"M... Many thanks, my lord."
>>155952
Torun:"And 8 is not a name. It's a number. What is your name?"

There's a short pause.

8:"It's Justin, my lord."

So he's male. And quite helpful when he wants to be.

>>155953
Don't admit guilt either until it's clear what went wrong.

We have to stay as their leader. It seems like the way we have acted so far has been fairly similar to how we acted before the botched ritual. But if we deviate too much they might begin to question us and it will end up with lots of unnecessarily killed people.

>>155955
So Justin eh.

Ask him how he ended up working for you. Having some truly loyal henchmen is usually way better than everyone obeying out of fear.

oh, i just remembered a good quote for situations like this:

'People were such simple animals to control. Just show them a sliver of respect when you had power over them, and they would grovel at your feet like dogs demanding more scraps. A kind word here, a smile there, and they were putty in your hands. A little anger now and then when you were clearly and unequivocally in the right, and they would bow down to you as a king. So wise, so noble, so kind they would say.

And then you could tell them to march off a cliff and they would call you glorious.'

>>155956
Gods damnit. You damn guidance spirits better be quicker to point shit out like this from now on.
>>155957
Torus:"So, Justin... How did you end up working with me?"
Justin:"Pardon, my lord? I thought you were to one to initiate me."
>>155959
Should I be saying this out loud, or are you just wasting my time?

>>155961
Tell him to humour you. You want to hear how he remembers it.

>>155963
Torus:"Humor me. I want to hear how you remember it."
Justin:"Well, my lord, I had heard the rumors of you, so I went to the spot. I was lucky I got the scroll. Afterwords, I deciphered the scroll and arrived here. You personally initiated me. It... was the greatest honor one can ask."
I think I may run some sort of secret cult or something.

>>155965
Sounds very much like it. Of course you leading a sacrifical ritual while they're all chanting was also a giveaway.

Ask him why he wanted to join. What made him seek you out.

>>155982
Torus:"Why did you want to join? Why did you seek me out?"
Justin:"Lord, why do you ask of something so trivial?"
Torun:"It's just simple curiosity."
Justin:"W- well, my lord, I just needed some guidance. You've lead us acolytes in the right direction."
He clears his throat.
Justin:"M- many thanks, my lord, for being so polite."

>>155985
Ok so cult leader with you as the center of the cult. Damn, this is going to make things harder in many ways.

Just walk with him until you reach your destination.

>>155989
We make our way through the remaining twists and turns of the corridors before we approach a large and decorative door. Justin opens it. It seems quite lavish. The first thing I notice is the giant bookshelf holding countless books.
Justin:"Your chambers, my lord."

>>156119
"Leave me. I must research."

>>156123
Yeah this sounds good. Also add that they're to send Murelle to you.

>>156123
>>156124
Torus:"You are to send Murelle to me. But for now, leave me. I must research."
Justin:"As you wish, my lord."
The acolytes that were holding the sacrifice girl prop her up against the wall inside my room in a sitting position. They then take their leave with Justin.
I enter the room and look around. Again, there are tapestries with unrecognizable symbols. The entire room looks very fancy, including the bed. There are a couple of statues of people I don't recognize.
I take notice of a weird anthropomorphic leopard thing with ram horns and wings. It looks like it's sleeping. I continue to take in my surroundings.
There's a rather large desk with a couple books and papers on it. There's also a quill.
I begin to wonder what I should do first.

>>156129
Check out what you were most recently working on. See what you were working on and what the book is about. If you're really lucky you will have keept a diary or something similar.

That statue is likely to be improtant somehow as well. But hopefully you will have time to figure it out later. Check if there is a nameplate, you just might get lucky.

>>156131
I check the papers on the desk. The contain various diagrams and symbols and text unknown to me. The books contain... the very same thing. Gods damnit, I think I'm going to have to relearn everything. There was a skull I think may be glowing behind a stack of books that was on the desk.
I check the statue for any and all nameplates. I find a word, but it isn't a name. "Savior". I wonder what that means. I happen to see a mirror that didn't catch my eye earlier.

>>156136
Get a look at yourself in the mirror. Then take out the glowing skull and examine it.

The diagrams and texts are probably what led up to the recent ritual. Hopefully there is something simpler in the book shelf.

>>156140
I take a look at myself in the mirror. I'm wearing a yellow mask with a long... Feather? Ribbon? ...sticking out of it. I have red eyes. Black feathers are surrounding my neck. There's a green piece of cloth with a red design on it hanging down on my front. I'm wearing green armor. I'm also wearing a red cape with a sorter, spiky red-and-blue cape over it. I'm still holding the knife. I set it down on the table.
I start scanning the bookcase for anything I'm able to read.
???:"Master?"
GAH! I turn to see who it is. It's the leopard thing.
Leopard thing:"How does ultimate power feel?

"The ritual failed. You're my familiar, correct? Then you can keep a secret. I've lost my memory."

>>156147
Thought that might happen. Still it's a bit early for it to do so. Remove your mask and see what's underneath.

Tell the creature that the ritual did not go as planned. It had to be interupted due to unforseen consequences.

You know what we never really check if you had ultimate power or not now. Memory loss might have been a part of the cost. Try to make the book on the desk levitate over to your hand. Just focus on it and what you want to happen.

>>156149
Not tell the memory loss part until we're certain that it's our familiar. Don't make assumptions like that.

>>156151
>>156149
I remove my mask. The neck feathers and cape are attached to the mask. I have long, black hair and a girlish face. There's a piece of the top part of my mouth missing, Making me able to see some teeth and part of the gum.
Torus:"The ritual failed and had to be interrupted due to unforseen concequences."
I look at the bookcase and try to levitate it. Nothing happens.
Leopard thing:"Do you know what went wrong?"
Torus:"You're my familiar, correct?"
Leopard thing:"Yes, master."
It crosses it's arms.
Torus:"Can you keep a secret?"
Leopard thing:"I've been keeping many secrets for you."
I lower my voice level to try and not let any unwelcome people hear what I am about to say.
Torus:"I've lost my memory."
The leopard thing looks stunned.
Leopard thing:"M- Master!? Are... Are you alright?"

>>156157
Tell him that you're not really allright, you have lost your memory of everything but your name. But you don't really have time to talk now. Murelle is on his or her way and you don't want to tell anyone else yet. Also ask the familiar what it's called and if Murelle can be trusted.

>>156159
Torus:"I'm not really alright. I have lost my memory of everything but my name. I do-"
The leopard thing hugs me.
Leopard thing:"I'll do everything in my power to make sure you're happy..."
I hug back, not knowing what else to do.
Torus:"I don't really have time to talk. Murelle is on his or her way right now. What's your name?"
Leopard thing:"Jathura."
Torus:"Can Murelle be trusted?"
Jathura:"I believe she's your best informant. It'll take take a couple days for her to reach her depending on where she is right now."

>>156167
Ok, if she is the best informant it's likely she can give alot of useful information and can be trust somewhat. And she is several days away so you have time to talk with Jathura.

But that comes later. First check up on the woman they brought here, see that she really is unconcious and didn't overhear what you just said. Ask Jathura if it recognizes her.

>>156170
Torus:"You may stop hugging me now. I'll be okay."
Jathura stops hugging me and takes a step back. I turn to the girl and walk up to check on her. I shale her. She falls to the floor.
Torus:"Do you know this woman?"
Jathura:"I'm afraid I don't. I'm sorry for my ignorance."

>>156176
Sounds like she was a random sacrifice then. Check for any guards outside of your chambers and ask them to take her to some sort of holding area.

Then you can have some alone time Jathura and get to know some more about your past.

>>156179
I start toward the door.
Jathura:"Master, wait! Your helmet!"
Torus:"What about it?"
Jathura:"I'm the only one you trust enough to see your face. You told me yourself."
He holds out the helmet. I put it on. I creak open the door. There are a couple of acolytes standing at either side of the door.
Torus:"I have a girl in here I need you to take to a holding area."
Acolyte:"As you wish, my lord."
One acolyte picks the girl up and starts to walk off somewhere. I close the door to my chambers. What should I ask of Jathura?

>>156201
Start with the basics, Who and what are you. Why are you here with a cult. What were your goals and motivations. What could you do before and what enemies do you have.

>>156201
Well, he needs to tell you as much as he can. Start from the beginning.

>>156204
>>156214
Torus:"Let's start from the beginning."
I take my helmet off again.
Torus:"Who am I? What am I?"
Jathura:"You're Torus, the soon-to-be holder of ultimate power. You created me, this underground lair, and thousands upon thousands of loyal followers who both fear and respect you."
Torus:"Why did I create this cult? Why did I want ultimate power?"
Jathura:"I'm sorry, master. You haven't told me yet. I don't want to assume anything. It wouldn't be right to question you, master."
Torus:"What could I do before?"
Jathura:"As I recall, master, you're quite a powerful red mage. Not as powerful as the gods, but that will change soon."
Torus:"What enemies do I have?"
Jathura:"Master, I don't think you even have any enemies. This cult is very secretive, and it's very hard to join. Only the luckiest and most skilled get initiated."

>>156264
Ah, I think I might know where the plan hit a snag. Divinities rarely feel like sharing their power. Still all that is good to know. He didn't really explain what you are though, you seem different somehow from the other cultists.

Ok, more questions. Do you by any chance have a diary lying around and how does your power work.

>>156347
Torus:"Do I have any sort of diary or journal laying around?"
Jathura:"You usually keep it under the pillow, but it requires a password to be said in order to open it. I never hear the passwords you say. Sorry for my ignorance."
Torus:"Do you know how my power works?"
Jathura:"Sorry, but I don't know how magic works. I just tip and tear things. By the way, you're a red mage."
Torus:"I have no clue what a red mage is."
Jathura:"Red mages can use a small variety of spells from black, white, green, and blue magic. Just to let you know, most rituals aren't bound by any type of magic, meaning that anybody can do them. Including people who don;t use magic."

>>156386
Ok, so diary with a magical lock. Figuring out the password to that likely requires more knowledge first. If you're allowed more then one attempt at guessing it then Saviour might work. It was what the plaque on the statue said after all.

Ok so you can use magic from every school. Ask for explinations on how the different schools work and what they can do.

Also ask about this cult. How big is it, how infleuntial and who are the key persons in it. Also what do they believe in.

>>156400
I look under the pillows of my bed, There's a book which must be my diary here. The cover is blank. I try to open it, which doesn't happen.
Torus:"Savior."
I try again, and fail again.
Torus:"How do all the different types of magic work?"
Jathura:"I'll tell you all I know, master. Black magic usually requires people to feel negative emotions. Black mages cast spells by saying words such as "freeze" and "shatter". White magic is practically the opposite, requiring people to feel positive emotions. Green magic is weird. It usually involves something other than destruction or healing; it's mostly about using different spells to gain an advantage. Blue mages can use ant spell of black, white, and green magic, but only if they copy it. Red mages, as I said, has a limited variety of black, white, and green magic. Was that explanation sufficient enough, master?

>>156430
Ok. So green magic is about changing stuff. Like lighting fires, making stuff unnaturaly sharp, manipulate things from afar and if you're good enough shape shifting?

Also ask Jathura if you can cast something from all 3 schools at the same time. White Magic and Black Magic sound alot like opposites in the state of mind you need to cast them.

Are we wearing green because we're into green magic?

Torus is a Red mage. So... maybe?

>>156878
Torus:"What exactly can one do if he or she is a green mage? Light fires? Make stuff unnaturally sharp? Manipulating things from afar? Shapeshifting?"
Jathura:"It's more like slowing down ans speeding up time, illusions, and other stuff like that, master. I apologize for the confusion.
>>156879
>>156882
Will you guidance spirits think before you talk?

>>156891
Oh, that is quite useful. Ok lets see if the skill is still around or if you're going to have to relearn it from the start.

Try making a small illusion of a knife. Doesn't have to be a good knife. Just focus on the impression of the knife and the details. Then think of it being there, not just think but know that it is there.

>>156898
I do so, and a knife appears in my hand. It feels somewhat real.
Jathura:"Is there anything more you want to ask of me, master?"

>>156922
Nice. So your magic skill remains. You just have to rediscover how to use it.

Lets see if we can't get any more backstory. Ask Jathura who and what you were before you became the leader of this cult.

also ask how you acted before, you don't want o suddenly have a different personality, your guys may think something is up.

>>156925
Torus:"Who and what was I before I became the leader of this cult?"
Jathura:"Please don't disrespect your own following. I apologize for my ignorance, but you never told me everything. All you told me was that you were a waitress at some bar."
>>156931
Torus:"How did I act before?"
He places a hand... claw... paw on my shoulder.
Jathura:"I apologize for my ignorance, but I usually don't stray outside this room. I've never seen the outside world. I wouldn't know how you act outside this room, master."

>>156936
Ask how you acted when you were in your room, then.

Torus:"How did I usually act from what you saw? What was I like?"
Jathura:"You treat me with respect. For that, I am forever loyal to you. You always tell me what present troubles you go through. As for how you treat your acolytes, I apologize for my ignorance, but I don't know. I can only tell you what you told me."
He hugs me.
Jathura:"I'm sorry you lost your memory. I hope you find the one responsible for this so I can rearrange their internal organs."

>>156991
Waitress in a bar? Check crotch area to make sure what gender you are.

Hmm, I don't think Jathura is going to be able to produce alot more information right now. Check out the weird glowy skull you had on the table.

>>157008
I try to check my crotch area as discreetly as possible. I don't feel any lump there. I walk over to the desk and pick up that glowing skull. I examine it. There doesn't seem to be anything weird, except it fits into the palm of my hand and that it glows.

>>157011
Ok, so you could be female or your species has internal genitalia, there is also the chance that you're a eunuch. Doesn't really matter though.

Ask Jathura if he knows what the skull is for.

>>157120
Torus:"Do you know what this skull is for?"
Jathura:"Yes I do, master. I didn't forget. Please put it down, I want to be hugged."
Okay, now this is weird.

You should probably tell Jathura that you need to think and it really isn't helping when he is this clingy. Add something like "Maybe later".

>>157239
Torus:"Jathura, I need to think and you're not really helping when you're being this clingy. Maybe later."
Jathura:"If you need to think, then maybe you should put the skull down, master."
Why is he so insistent on me putting the skull down?

i... think it's a punishment tool. put it down and ask again what it does.

>>157278
I put the skull down.
Torus:"What does it do?"
Jathura:"When someone is touching it, it carries the voice to the other skull. The one who currently has the other one is your strongest warrior, Des. I apologize if I came across as clingy, but I was trying to protect you."

>>157331
That is a very useful thing. Could also be very dangerous.

I think that is all for now. Practice your magic, read through books a rest up until Murelle arrives.

>>157360
Indeed. I should be careful what I day when holding it. I sift through the many books on the bookshelf, none of which I understand. I need to re-learn a second language.

>>157519
Maybe Jathura can help you? Perhaps he was taught the same language before, or learned it himself.

Did you hug him back when he hugged you?

Torus 2010/04/01(Thu)20:51 No. 157719 ID: 34470e
File 127018028548.png - (28.03KB , 474x317 , Faer Language.png )

>>157677
Yes, I hugged him. I open up to a random page in a random book and point to a random paragraph.
Torus:"Jathura, when I lost my memories, I also forgot how to read these strange symbols. Do you know what they are, or what they say?"
He walks over and takes a look.
Jathura:"It's Faer. It's the only language I know how to read. It says..."
He pauses for a moment.
Jathura:"...something about breaking into a house and seeing rats and cockroaches. If you want, I can teach this to you."

>>157719
Well, it looks like that's not a simple one-to-one letter replacement cypher so just get him to teach it to you.

>>157731
Very well. For the next few days, Jathura teaches me Faer while waiting for Murelle. I feel like I have a grasp on most of the basic words written in Faer. When I'm not relearning the language, I'm exploring my lair to try and memorize the layout. The place is gigantic. It has to be at least 30 stories high or deep or something. An odd thing I notice is that there aren't any windows or candles to light the entire place up. I guess it's magic. I've confirmed my gender to be female when I noticed I had breasts. The acolytes are all humans. There are other species here as well Jathura said the small, black-skinned person I saw was an imp. I was surprised to hear that imp was named Des. There are also some other species here. Some spider person, an anthropomorphic jackal/dog thing, and a large bird with swords for feet. I asked Jathura what they were, but he didn't know. Right now, I'm practicing Faer.

>>157760
So the imp is your strongest warrior? Have you been practicing magic as well? The green type seems the easiest to use, so get some practice with it.

For black magic you need to use your negative emotions. Focus on them and then speak an appropriate phrase for the thing you want to happen, stronger emotions should give a stronger effect and if you become powerful enough the spoken part might be unnecessary for certain spells. Anyway, try out the freeze spell on Jathura after you have asked him if you can do it.

>>157843
Yes, it seems the imp is my strongest warrior. It looks like it would be very weak, but what the fuck do I know? I probably should have been practicing my magic.
Torus:"Jathura?"
Jathura:"Yes, master?"
Torus:"Can we stop practicing Faer for a little while and work on my magic?"
Jathura:"Certainly."
He closes the book.
Torus:"Can I use a freeze spell on you?"
He pauses for a moment.
Jathura:"If it will make you happy, yes."
I focus on negative emotions.
Torus:"Freeze."
I wait a while. He doesn't seem to be moving. I think it worked.

>>157848
Ok, now say release. If he starts moving again it should have worked.

Lets try it again. Tell him to attack you, no lasting damage is to be done. You freeze him before he can land an attack.

>>157854
Torus:"Release."
He's definitely moving.
Jathura:"Master, the spell worked. I couldn't move."
Torus:"Just to make sure, I want you to try and attack me."
Jathura:"M- Master! I... all right."
He flexes his claw... thing and begins to swipe at me.
Torus:"Freeze."
The swipe stops. The... claw about an inch away from my face.

>>157865
Good work. Step out of the way and release him.

Ok so the basics of black magic works as it should. Lets see if the white magic works out as well. Focus on positive feelings, same thing as with black magic, more powerful feeling should equal more powerful magic. Lets start of with the shield, focus on shielding yourself from harm and say "Shield". Then instruct Jathura to make a shallow cut on the upside of your forearm.

If the shield doesn't work we will try out the healing.

>>157871
I step out of the way.
Torus:"Release."
The swing doesn't finish. Instead, Jathura puts his arm by his side. I think about positive emotions and focus on protecting myself from harm. I see something out of the very bottom of my eye, almost like something got brighter. I look at my hands. They're slightly glowing. And my arms. And my legs. I guess I didn't need to say anything after all. I stop focusing on protection and the glow fades.
Torus:"Jathura, can you please make a cut on my arm?"
Jathura:"You'd have to take your armor off."
I take the arm part of my armor off, exposing my flesh. Jathura seems to hesitate a little bit before he finally brings OW ow ow! I pull my arm away in reflex.
Jathura:"I apologize, master."
I focus on healing the wounds. My hand slightly glows white and the wounds disappear along with the pain.

>>157883
Jathura walks up to me and puts his arm around me.
Jathura:"It appears you're regaining some of your memory. I'm glad, master."
I smile.
Torus:"Thanks, Jathura."
I hug him. He hugs back. I think I hear him purring.

>>158356
We stop hugging after a little while. There's a knock on the door.
Torus:"Who's there?"
???:"Murelle has arrived."
Well, that took long enough.

well get all your stuff on and get into an imposing mood.

>>158595
I put on the armor to my arm and my helmet. Imposing... Okay... I get mentally ready. I open the door. There's a green snake person here.
Green snake person:"Murelle heard you needed her asistance. She heard your ritual failed."

>>158604
"...yes, Murelle is correct."

>>158616
Torus:"...Yes, Murelle is correct."
The snake person smiles.
Snake person:"Murelle wants to show you her research. It should prove quite useful."
Torus:"Where is her research?"
Snake person:"Murelle's research is in the dining room."
Torus:"Very well. You shall take me to her."
The snake person blinks. It looks confused.

>>158622
"I mean, she can take me to there."

The green thing is Murelle. She's just speaking in third person, dummy.

she is speaking in third person, she is murelle. pass it off as a joke or you will look like a dumb-ass.

>>158624
>>158626
Shit! Gods damnit, guidance spirits! You need to say these things! I don't know shit, so you need to help me!
Torus:"It was a joke."
There's a small pause, then Murelle begins to giggle.
Murelle:"Murelle didn't know you had a sense of humor. Come with Murelle. She'll lead the way."
Murelle starts... slithering her way across the corridors. I close the door and follow.

>>158635
Ask Murelle if she knows of people who would have a big intrest in making sure your ritual failed.

>>158675
Torus:"Do you know of any miscreants who would dare to take interest in making sure the ritual failed?"
Murelle appears thoughtful.
Murelle:"Murelle is not entirely sure. She would have to look into it, but she has heard rumors of some sort of secret organization of people who try to keep balance in the world. Murelle would have to research further."

ha, keeping balance in the world, an impossible feat for anything that lacks omnipresence, for all they know they messing up the ritual could have just dangerously tipped the scales to one side.

>>158686
That may be true, but it was stated as a rumor. It could only be just that, and therefore requires further research before any conclusions can be drawn.

>>158688
Sounds like this will be a confrontation between two clandestine organisations shrouded in secrecy. That's going to be fun.

Ask her to make sure her people look for more information about those guys.

>>158690
Yes, this'll be fun if the rumor is indeed true.
Torus:"Murelle, after you leave, tell the other informants affiliated with me about this secret organization."
Murelle:"Yes, Murelle will do that. She will make sure not to tell anyone else as well. Doing so could lead to the organization lead to a full-on attack. Murelle thinks that would be extremely horrific in your plans."

>>158696
Ok so they're powerful enough that a full scale attack from them would be dangerous. I now have lots of new questions for Jathura.

But that comes later. For now lets see what Murelle has to show us.

>>158700
Yes, questions later. Murelle leads me to the dining area. I see a large pile of notes.
Murelle:"Murelle as planned ahead, just in case something went wrong. She has researched several different methods. She hopes at least one of them works."

tell her good job with taking the initiative, and to show you what she got.

>>159078
Torus:"Wonderful job taking initiative. Show me what you have gathered."
Murelle:"Certainly."
She slithers over to the notes. I follow. she picks up a couple of pieces of paper and hands them to me.
Murelle:"The first alternative Murelle has found was to find an ancient artifact that siphons power of the people killed by it to the user of it. However, Murelle did not pinpoint the location of the artifact. She is sorry for that."

interesting, could prove useful.
continue.

>>159116
Torun:"You may continue."
Murelle sifts through the pile of notes for a few seconds, then shows me a somewhat large stack of papers.
Murelle:"The second alternative Murelle has found was that of an ancient prophecy, the first step is that of which is the genocide of a single race. The prophecy is complicated, but Murelle thinks it might be worth a shot."

>>159118
as long as it doesn't end with something along the lines of 'and the heroes will bring down the dark tyrant who has killed the race'

also, even if it doesn't, i don't want to touch a prophecy with a 50-foot pole.

Hey. Could we find more information about the ritual that failed? Perhaps if we figure out how it could have been sabotaged, we might find the person responsible.

>>159118
"Genocide is a bit of a nasty business, and a very poor way to keep hidden. Have somebody look into it, but it's not a priority task.
Oh, and the ritual was sabotaged; I suffered some sort of mental attack, and the effects continue to interfere with my memories.
Sadly, that must be corrected before we can put plans into motion. You are to look into this yourself, and tell no one of it."

>>159127
Torus:"Are you able to find out the miscreants responsible for the failure of my ritual?"
Murelle:"Murelle will look into it once she departs this place."
>>159124
>>159141
No way in hells I'm revealing the loss of my memory! Think before you tell me to do things, gods damnit!
Torus:"Genocide is a bit of a nasty business, and a very poor way to keep hidden. Have somebody look into it, but it's not a priority task."
Murelle:"Very well."
She looks through the papers again.
Murelle:"The third alternative Murelle has found was... well, Murelle doubts it'll work, but you can ask Xom. But... he wouldn't take too kindly to... your plans."

oh! Xom, we know that guy. wait on this until you are back in your room.

>>159147
"Xom? That's... Wait, that's brilliant! Hrm? Oh, no, not for this, Murelle, but I have other concerns."
Hug her.
"Thank you, old friend."

>>159150
>>159152
Torus:"Xom? That's... Wait, that's brilliant! Hrm? Oh, no, not for this, Murelle, but I have other concerns."
She looks at me curiously.
Murelle:"Murelle is curious as to what these other concerns are. Are you willing to tell her?"
I am not going to hug her. I have an image to maintain.

jesus, even01a19, stop making him say his plans out loud, it ruins everything.

>>159186
Yes. I have secrets, which if revealed, could be the end of me. Try to use your brains for once! And I'm a girl! Murelle is still looking at me curiously.

>>159178
"No, these are things I must do on my own."

>>159194
Torus:"No, these are things I must do on my own."
Murelle:"Ah, okay. Murelle won't ask any further."
She gathers the papers together and hands them to me.
Murelle:"Murelle hopes she's been a great help. She also thinks you should study her notes."
She bows.
Murelle:"If this is all you ask of Murelle, she shall take her leave now."

look thoughtful for a moment then "no, i have no further need for your services at this time"

>>159200
I do so.
Torus:"No, I have no further need for your services at this time."
Murelle:"Very well. Murelle wishes you luck in your endeavors."
She leaves as I start to head toward my chambers. I think that went pretty well.

>>159205
I close the door to my chambers. I clean my desk off a bit and set Murelle's notes down.
Jathura:"Master, did you find out anything useful?"

tell him what you learned and then let's summon Xom.
to summon Xom one must simply think about summoning Xom.

>>159220
"Well, there's a possibility that the ritual was sabotaged, and didn't simply fail. There's some secret organization dedicated to balance, apparently. Also, it seems that there are some other methods to gain power."

Ask him if he knows anything about the ritual that failed. Were we supposed to sacrifice that woman? Oh, and ask what secrets he's keeping. We should probably find out what they are, so that we know what is secret and what is not.

>>159228
I take off my helmet.
Torus:"Well, there's a possibility that the ritual was sabotaged, and didn't simply fail. There's a rumor of some secret organization dedicated to balance, apparently. Also, it seems that there are some other methods to gain power. Do you know the reason why the ritual failed?"
Jathura:"I apologize for my ignorance, master. I don't know exactly why the ritual failed."
Torus:"Was I supposed to sacrifice that woman?"
Jathura:"I can only assume you were."
Torus:"What kind of secrets are you keeping?"
Jathura:"Secrets of your past. The wound on your face. Basically anything that would put you in a negative light. I've stated before, I only want to make you happy, master."
>>159225
That's... rather weird. I do so.
Jathura:"Master, an intruder!"
He enters a threatening stance. I look behind me. It's some weird person with a foxhead. I see Jathura lunge at it.

>>159240
Step in front of Jathura so that Xom doesn't kill him or something!

Or if you think it would work, you could use Freeze. It's my opinion that Jathura would just keep going and slam into Xom.

>>159243
yes, freeze him and tell Xom 'sorry about that, he is a little jumpy'

>>159243
>>159245
I step in front of Jathura.
Torus:"Freeze!"
He freezes in place. I turn to the foxperson.
Torus:"Sorry about that. He's a little jumpy."
Foxperson:"Don't let it happen again. I don't know why you're wasting my time, you blasphemous dimwit. I'll let you have only 1 wish before I leave. Make it quick."
Did... Did it just insult me?

yes, but he is powerful enough he can get away with it.
try asking for some or all of your memories back. if he won't because the DM says it's important for the story then try knowledge on the whereabouts of the power draining artifact.

>>159253
Gods damnit... If he really is that powerful, I really can't do anything. But once I gain ultimate power, I'd be able to kill him.
Torus:"I want all of my memories back."
Foxperson:"I'm going to do something unexpected."
The foxperson smiles.
Foxperson:"You have to agree to this: You lose your fake religion. You cannot start a new one. You go back to being a waitress. You will never have ultimate power. Do you agree?"
Is... he serious?

Can't agree to that. Once you have your memories back you'll probably want ultimate power again, and be frustrated.

Anyway, for now Release Jathura after telling him not to attack Xom. It's kindof rude to leave someone frozen like that for longer than necessary.

Instead, how about we ask Xom if we can ask specific questions about your past? Like, why you wanted ultimate power, and the purpose of this religion you created. Or why you lost your memories.

If he'll only answer one question, then ask him to whisper the password to your diary to you.

>>159260
Yeah! Fuck my memories, I want ultimate power!
Torus:"I will have to decline that offer."
Xom:"Okay, I'm out of here."
Torus:"Wait! Can yo-"
Xom:"No. I said one thing, and asking for your memories was one thing. Goodbye."
Xom disappears. Son of a bitch! SON OF A BITCH! I really hate him now. I turn to Jathura.
Torus:"Release."
He rushes up to me and grips my arms tightly.
Jathura:"Master, do you have any idea what you've just done? That person just compromised our security! He knows your plans! The threatened to ruin them! He saw your face! Why didn't you let me kill him?"

>>159261
Xom is basically a god. There's nothing Jathura could have done, and Xom probably knew everything about you even before you summoned him. Plus, Xom doesn't really interfere with mortal affairs so you've got nothing to worry about.

>>159261
Xom isn't here but he can probably hear you. Ask to be alone, then tell Xom you want ultimate power, and will gladly destroy this stupid religion to do it. Or any other.

>>159264
Torus:"Jathura, there was nothing you could've done."
I hug him.
Torus:"Xom is basically a god, no matter how stupid and idiotic he is. Plus he's a coward. He doesn't attempt to touch upon mortal affairs."
Jathura hugs back.
Jathura:"Master, I'm still worried... He could say stuff that compromises our secrecy..."
>>159265
No... I wanted ultimate power for a reason, and nothing will stop me from obtaining it. Not even memory loss.

>>159275
Tell Jathura: "Don't worry. He already knew everything anyway."

Perhaps Xom would be interested in a counteroffer. Ultimate power as a goal is a very poor goal, so you need to find out what you wanted to do with it.
If you wanted ultimate power for the sake of ultimate power, then offer to turn your cult into a clandestine humanitarian organization in exchange for either enough of your memories to not screw up playing the role of your old self, OR for an effect where your followers believe your actions are normal for you.

>>159307
I don't even want to ask of that bastard's help anymore. He's so irritating.
Torus:"Don't worry. He already knew everything anyway."
Jathura is silent for a moment.
Jathura:"We still have to kill him. He knows too much. You have to get ultimate power. It's way too risky keeping him alive..."
He tightens his hug slightly.
Jathura:"We have to kill him to keep you safe..."

he is so powerful that until you get ultimate power killing him is not going to happen.

>>159316
Torus, I think your past self might have had a deeper relationship with Jathura than just... master and familiar.

yes... ask if you have had any... lovers.

>>159318
In that case, I have to study Murelle's notes and choose which method is the best to gain ultimate power.
>>159322
I kind of get what you mean. He likes me touching him. I want to break off from the hug, but Jathura is... still hugging me.

>>159316
Yes, he IS irritating. However, he's also damn useful and pretty easy to manipulate.
Hrm... At this point in the timestream I don't know if we have any favors we could call in.

"Jathura, without ultimate power he could squash me like a bug. With ultimate power I can just ignore him. Either way plotting against him doesn't do me any good."

>>159325
You're going to have to decide whether to try to keep things as they are, put some distance between you two, or indulge in his attentions.

I don't think it's a very important matter, deal with it however you prefer.

>>159325
Jathura must be worried about you. Maybe petting him would make him calm down.

>>159328
Torus:"Jathura, without ultimate power, he could squash me like a bug. With ultimate power I can just ignore him. Either way, plotting against him doesn't do me any good."
Jathura:"Master... I just want to keep you safe... Your life is the only thing that matters."
>>159330
>>159333
I start petting him. After a while, he starts purring and loosens his grip a little. It feels nice petting him.

well he is a giant kitty.

>>159339
Be sure to get his ears and under the chin. Maybe rub his belly.

>>159339
Hey Torus. What do you think about doing other stuff with Jathura? Your past self seemed to trust him a great deal. If he's the only person you took your mask off in front of, it's not a stretch to also say he's the only person you took your armor off in front of.

>>159343
I begin to scratch behind his hear. The purring intensifies. I then move onto various other parts of his body. He begins to smile. He looks cute when he's smiling.
>>159344
I take my armor off when I go to sleep, so that's true.

>>159351
So if that's true... was your past self sexually active?

I wonder if you understand what I'm getting at.

that other guy is telling you to fuck your cat.

Well on the bright side, You'll get to see him smile more~ You did say you liked seeing him smile, right?

>>159352
>>159353
I can't fuck him. There's nothing down there.
>>159362
I think I'll just stick to petting him. ...I still need to look at Murelle's notes.

>>159364
Well that's an interesting reaction. I expected either disgust or anger.

Maybe he can shapeshift or something, I dunno. It seems weird that your past self didn't have a boyfriend of any kind. Maybe that's why you wanted ultimate power? Did you have a husband or a boyfriend that died and you need ultimate power to bring them back or get revenge?

>>159372
Hey, I don't know shit about my past! I don't know if I had a boyfriend or girlfriend, I don't know why I want ultimate power, I don't know why I became a red mage, I don't know when I created Jathura, I don't know the password to my diary, I don't even know my parents' names! ...Gods damnit, that sounds pathetic.

>>159379
When? Ask Jathura when he was created then. He should actually know that, right?

Also, look over the notes. You can do that while petting Jathura with one hand.

>>159379
Hey, calm down now. We're here to help. In fact, are you hungry? Go get something to eat or something and just relax. Take everything one step at a time~

>>159381
Torus:"Jathura, When did I create you?"
Jathura:"I... I think it was... about 100... years ago..."
Wait, I'm that old? I look like I'm about 20 or 30 years old. I reach over to the notes while petting the stomach of Jathura. I start reading them.
>>159384
I'm not hungry now. I'd estimate it's about 3 PM right now.

>>159388
You know this has been a rather intersting day. We know that Xom hates your guts, there are 3 other ways to get ultimate power and there is a very secretive organisation out there dedicated to keeping balance, and you're looking to upset that balance. Also your species are either very long lived or you found a way to extend your life.

So time for questions and lots of planning. So start by asking Jathura how you got your scar, how many cultists you have under your sway and how good they are at fighting and magics. Also ask him if there are any good trainers at either magic or personal combat among your cult.

If they're not doing it already it's time to turn this cult into a martial one. Teach them magics and how to fight.

You should check out how good you are at personal combat as well. Magic is a very good tool, but if you depend on only magic to keep you alive you will eventually see it fail and die. It is not the tool that is important, the body and mind using it are.

>>159411
Keep in mind that all rumors aren't necessarily true.
Torus:"Jathura, how did I get my scar?"
Jathura:"You... never told me..."
Torus:"How many acolytes do I have at my sway? How good are they at fighting? Are there any trainers at magic or personal combat here?"
Jathura:"I believe... you have about... 6000 acolytes... I don't know... how good they are at... fighting, but considering... Des and Haru teach... the acolytes... I can only assume... they can defend themselves..."
Torus:"How good am I at combat?"
Jathura:"You told me... you came close... to defeating Des... You said he said... that it was a fluke... You have yet to... beat him..."

>>159416
Odd, he said he knew how you got the wound on your face. Must be something rather traumatic if he's keeping it from you.

Call in some food. Enough for three. Invite in Haru and Des for some lunch. Eat some first and then get on your helmet. Both genocide and artifact getting could demand more manpower and competent backup. There is also the possibility of an assault from the balance keeping assholes, or rather them revealing some information about where you're at and sending holy armies towards you.

>>159420
Make that four by the way. Call in Murelle as well.

i disagree with the inviting people to eat idea.

>>159420
Torus:"I thought you said you knew how I got the wound on my face."
Jathura:"I do not... I only know that... the wound exists..."
>>159426
>>159423
I'm kind of leaning against the whole 'inviting people in here' as well, but I can be convinced.

Ask Jathura what the relationship is between you two, if you have sex with each other, and if you have a lover.

Yes, there's a point to these questions. We need to know if she has been controlling her hormones and who knows her well enough to spot the flaws.

>>159427
Well it's about building up trust. But yeah, you're right, they're not at the level yet where you should invite them to your private quarters. See if you don't have another room that is good for a somewhat more private meeting and lunch.

More information is needed before any really big decisions can be taken, but the time is drawing closer.

>>159428
Torus:"What's the relationship between us?"
Jathura:"You are my master... I am your familiar..."
Torus:"Do we have sex together?"
Jathura:"No..."
Torus:"Do I have a lover?"
Jathura:"I... apologize for my... ignorance... but I don't know..."
>>159431
I stop petting Jathura.
Torus:"Sorry, but I can't pet you all the time."
Jathura:"That's alright, master. I enjoyed it."
I put on my mask and peek out the door. There's an acolyte guarding it.
Torus:"Excuse me, but is there a private meeting room free this afternoon?"
Acolyte:"I believe there is, my lord. What's the occasion?"

>>159621
Okay, help me out. I know who Des is. He's the imp and my strongest warrior, apparently even stronger than me. I don't know who Haru is. Murelle has most likely left already, so she's out. Should I invite the bird person and the dog/jackal person? I don't know their names. If I do invite them, what should I say?

>>159804
Ask Jathura who the the two unknowns are and what Haru looks like. Also, ask about the country where your cult is located and the major religions there as well as the major religous institutions around the world.

You're inviting them over to discuss strategy and the direction for the cult. If Murelle isn't around then she should have someone there who acts as a second in command or something for her. Ask Jathura who that would be and invite whoever that is in Murelles place.

You need to get a good assessment of the martial capacity of your cult and how you can best improve it, the cult members that can learn it should be proficient in both magic and close combat.

Depending on the situation nearby you may have make changes in the way your cult operates and what the short term goals are. Long term goals are still ultimate power, but the road leading there might be a very long one.

>>159905
Torus:"Excuse me for a moment. I need to check on something."
Acolyte:"As you wish, my lord."
I close the door. I turn to Jathura.
Torus:"Jathura, who's the dog or jackal person? And the bird person? And Haru? What country are we in? What are the major religions here and around the world?"
Jathura:"I apologize for my ignorance, I don't know any other religion then the one you lead. I don't know what country we're in. Haru is a Nedynvor. She teaches magic. She's a red mage, just as you are. Raul is a gnoll and your second-in-command."
I hug Jathura.
Torus:"Thanks."
I peek out the door again.
Torus:"I need Des, Haru, and Raul in a private dinner meeting. We need to discuss some strategy."
Acolyte:"I'll inform them at once."
The acolyte walks off.

>>159915
Ok, order up some maps to study geography and hopefully some statistics about them before the meeting. Anything about religions could be good as well.

You have an enemy that excels at moving in the shadows. If you try to match them at their game you might very well lose. Changing the game then could get you the advantage.

If you can find a country with a weak central power and preferably a civil war going on you could make some very good gains.

>>159944
I turn to the other acolyte guarding the door.
Torus:"You, go fetch me some maps about geography. Some statistics would be nice as well."
Acolyte:"Will that be all, my lord?"
Torus:"Mo. Anything about religions would be good as well. Now go."
Acolyte:"Right away, my lord."
The acolyte jogs off in the opposite direction. What now while I wait for those maps and stuff to arrive?

>>160080
Work on your best imposing look in front of the mirror. Looks are important when it comes to leadership, it's one of the first thing that people will judge you on.

>>160288
I don't see how much use it'll be with my mask and outfit on, but I do it anyway for a while. I also practice an imposing voice. I also practice some menacing poses. You'd never know how much they'll come in handy later on. There's a knock on the door. It's probably the acolyte with the maps. It's sort of fun practicing in front of the mirror.

>>160292
I open the door.
Acolyte:"Your maps, my lord."
Torus:"Wonderful."
I take them and close the door. Where should I read them? My desk is kind of occupied at the moment.

>>160442
Spread them out on the bed then.

You're looking for a fairly isolated country, preferably one that doesn't follow the main religions and if there is a civil war going on. You're looking for a nice place to take over.

>>160446
I spread some of them out on the bed. There are maps of a country named Europe, there are world maps, there are political maps, religious maps, agricultural maps, there's a couple of maps of forests, there ate many maps of important towns, and maps of cultures. I study all of them. There seems to be a large island named Australia that doesn't have any main religion, or any religion at all. In the cultural map, all that's there are gnolls and kobolds. I have no idea what a kobold is.

>>160464
small humanoid beings, most are dumb as rock. but they can make good workers and farmers if you are willing to teach them. they are actually do not understand how to make babies, all kobold children are by accident.

i think their stupidity stems from them not thinking about telling others things any one has learned. so they don't know how to make babies cause even when one does figure it out he doesn't think to tell any of the others so when he dies the knowledge dies too.

>>160464
Australia sounds like a possibly promising target. See what other kinds of statistics you have about it. Climate, population, urbanisation and any political information you have about it.

>>160475
it's nothing but gnolls and kobolds. i think 'large village' is about as urban as you can get.

>>160469
Dumb. Stupid. Naive. Easily mislead? I like the sound of that.
>>160475
Climate... It's mostly desert. There's some subtropical, tropical, and grassland in there as well. Population... It says around about 30,000. Urbanization... It says groups of around 40 or less people. Political... It says most of the groups are independent.

>>160485
Hahaha, we could unite the various settlements under one banner and become LORD OF THE DESERT!

You know that route to power that lets you grow powerful just by killing other powerful people? Well, if you're Lord of the Desert then you could get people to train up as mages, and when people grow sick or old you come and claim their power. Since they're gonna die anyway it's not like anyone's gonna hate you for it.

>>160502
Yes... This plan is perfect. I'd have to find the artifact first, but it's still perfect nonetheless. I can lie about the item to make me sound more helpful. 'This item will allow the spirits of the dead to reach peace instantaneously. They will not suffer anymore!' I like how that sounds.
Jathura:"Master, it looks like you've got an incredible plan. Can I hear it?"

>>160530
why not.

>>160539
Torus:"I've heard there's a powerful artifact. One that can grant the strength of those he or she kills to the user. I plan on finding the artifact, going to Australia, and ruling it. I will then kill the old and the sick with the artifact. They'd die anyway. No one will be able to stop me!"
Jathura hugs me. I hug back.
Jathura:"I'm so glad you've thought of the perfect plan, master. I'd like to come with you, if possible."
I hear a knock on the door. I notice I'm feeling hungry.

Torus:"I'll think about it."
I put my helmet back on and open the door.
Acolyte:"Your dinner is ready in the private meeting room. Des is already there."
Torus:"Wonderful. You shall lead me there posthaste."
Acolyte:"As you wish, my lord."
The acolyte begins leading me.

>>160574
The Acolyte leads me to a door. I see the bird person approaching.
Acolyte:"The meeting will be held in here, my lord." I open the door. Des and the dog/jackal person are already inside. There's food on the table. I'm wearing my mask. How am I going to be able to eat?
Des:"Heh, you're going to have to take your mask off to be able to eat -chie."

use the opening on the bottom of the mask where your neck goes in.
or... do we know why we never too the mask off before? i don't think we do. once all servants leave you can take it off.

>>160632
I took the mask off before, just only in front of Jathura. I think. I'm not exactly sure why I keep it on when not in my chambers, but I think it's the scar on my face. I don't even care if people see it, but I still have an image to maintain. I have to keep it on.
Dog/Jackal person:"Des, you know Torus will never take the mask off in front of us."
Des:"Yeah, yeah, he only takes it off in front of that construct he made -chie."
He looks at me.
Des:"Whadya make that for anyway? A sex toy -chie?"
Bird person:"Des, not now. We've got something important to talk about. You can insult him later."
Des:"Aah, whatever -chie. Just take a seat and tell us what you called us here for -chie."

Doesn't the mask have an opening near the mouth? If not, perhaps some form of magic will work.

Perhaps hiding your face is also to prevent people from finding out your gender, as they seem to think you are male.

>>160677
Oh, I forgot about the opening. I'll just have to eat carefully. I sit down. The bird person sits down as well. Now might be a good time for you to tell me what a gnoll and a nedynvor is. I clearly have no idea. I also need to make an imposing announcement to the group.

>>160690
Nedynvors are pretty much bird people. They have swordfeet and some rather large wings as arms, can't really fly but glide very well. Gnolls are large hyena like humanoids. Can smell pretty bad.

Ok lets start off by informing them about the fact that the ritual was sabotaged. That route isn't really open to you anymore. It's clear now that you have enemies but they stay even deeper in the shadows than your organisation so you can't get at them. Murelle also hinted that they were more powerful then the cult and a direct confrontation wouldn't end well for the cult.

So you have thought about where to go from here. One thought that has crossed your mind is increasing the martial capacity of the cult, both in combat with arms and magic. Ask them about input on how to best achieve such a goal.

By the way. I think you might need to perform a scan or scrying on Jathura. Anything that would allow you to see if he is under any outside influence, or have ways to communicate with someone outside your hideout. Just a suspiscion right now, but until you verify that he's not under outside influence it might be prudent not to talk about current and future plans with him.

Whoa, don't tell anyone about the secret organization, we could have a spy here and they'd just full on attack us if they think they've been exposed.

>>160765
Keep that part quiet then. Just tell them that there are enemies you can't defeat with the cults current streangth.

>>160759
Okay, now I know Haku is the bird person and Raul is the dog/jackal person. I clear my throat.
Torus:"As you might already know, the ritual has failed. It is my belief that it has been sabotaged by someone or something. It has been stated that the route to ultimate power by that method is no longer open to me. It's crystal clear we have enemies. Enemies that possess much more strength and experience than our collective number as a whole do. Direct confrontation isn't even common sense. Now I have thought about where to go from this point. One thought that has crossed my mind was to increase the martial capacity of my followers, both in magical and weaponry. I'm open to any suggestions you may have on how to do that."
Des:"Me and Haku can start having required classes or something -chie."
Haku:"C- Classes? Um, Are you sure about that, Des? We could teach the acolytes one-on-one. That way, people would get better more quicker!"
Des:"You dumbass, that'll never work -chie! The acolytes need to learn at the same time! Besides, they're not stupid. You don't need to baby them all the time -chie."

>>160799
"Do both."

>>160800
Torus:"Do both."
Des:"...Fine. We'll do it the stupid way half the time -chie."
Haru:"It's not stupid. It's called a compromise."
Raul:"Des, I didn't know you didn't know Haru isn't good in front of a crowd."
Des:"I know that, but I still say it's far more efficient to teach large groups of people instead of just babying one person at a time -chie."
Haku:"And what happens if I completely freeze up? I won't be able to teach anybody!"
Des:"Then get over your problem -chie!"
Haku:"I can't get over with it just like that!"
Des:"Did I say instantaneously -chie?"
Haku:"You implied it. So I just assumed-"
Des:"Assumed? I don't see what Torus sees in you -chie."

>>160811
Yeah, maybe Haku should at least try to get over his stage fright.

>>160816
Torus:"Maybe you should at least make an attempt at overcoming your stage fright."
Haku:"... Aah... I'll try."
Des:"Now you don't seem like such a wimp anymore -chie."
Raul:"Torus, will I have to teach as well? I'm not really all that good at fighting. Only at management and-"
Des:"Hey, does he look like a retard to you? If he was, how do you think he gained a shit ton of followers? He already knows that -chie!"
Raul:"I was just making sure. He might've forgotten for some reason."
Des:"Like that'll ever happen -chie. You don't just lose memories like that for no reason. So quit treating him like a goldfish -chie."

>>160824
"Don't sell yourself short. A fighting force that's disorganized is called a riot.
Teach what you know. Rank them based on how easily they learn the material, and we can use that to decide who gives the orders and who follows them."

>>160830
Torus:"Don't sell yourself short. A fighting force that's disorganized is called a riot. Teach what you know. Rank them based on how easily they learn the material, and we can use that to decide who gives the orders and who follows them."
Des:"I actually like that idea -chie."
Raul:"Sounds good."
Haku:"I... I'll try."
Looks like a unanimous decision. What next?

>>160841
Time to tell a bit of your plan on expansion.

Tell them that you have been thinking of taking over a country/setting up a new one and make the cult more open and legitimate. See what thoughts they have on it and any suggestions they might have.

You might want to revise your decision to base ranking soley on martial capacity. Put up a seperate system for command ranks and ranking on martial capacity. Simply being a good fighter is not the same thing as being a good leader or tactician.

>>160853
Torus:"Actually, I'd like to change my idea of the ranking system. Being a good fighter does not mean it's the same as being a good leader or tactician. We need a separate ranking system for that."
Raul:"I'm sure we'll think of something for that, Torus."
Torus:"Good. Let's move on. I've been thinking of having my following be a bit more... open."
Haru:"How so?"
Torus:"I'm planning on becoming a countries' guiding voice of reason. I will lead the country to a better future. Doing so will also make my following more legitimate."
Des:"And what country will you be invading and oppressing -chie?"
He's really starting to get on my nerves.
Torus:"A country with naught but uneducated gnolls and kobolds. Their minds are easily ripe for the picking. No offense, Raul."
Raul:"Hmph."
He looks a little peeved. He'll get over it. I hope.
Haru:"How exactly do you plan on taking over the country?"

>>160860
Tell them that it's partly that they're here to plan. Since the land is sparsly populated even the largest tribe should number less then your entire current cult. That should make it easy to take it over and then use that as a base for expanding your influence and reform their society into something that would be more useful.

But before actions can be taken you need more up to date information. So you're going to have to send in some scouts.

>>160860
They're broken up into small independent tribes. It will be a simple matter to invade, show how powerful we are to one tribe, then gradually do the same to each one until we unite them all under one banner.

We can give them useful knowledge and advance their civilization's technology level so that they'll stay loyal. We could possibly even convert certain promising candidates to act as a priesthood of sorts.

We need to look over our initiation scrolls to see what kind of changes we'd have to make.

>>160866
>>160867
Torus:"They're broken into small, independent tribes. Groups smaller than my following. It should be a simple matter to invade. We'll show how powerful we are to one tribe, probably the largest one, and then we'll expand from there until we unite them under one banner. We can give them our knowledge and advance their civilization's technology so they'll stay loyal. We could even possibly recruit some of the more promising candidates to act as a priesthood of sorts. We need to look over our initiation scrolls to see what kind of changes we have to make. We also need up-to-date information, so I'm going to have to send some scouts."
Des:"Wow, I barely see any flaws with that plan -chie."
Raul:"It seems like you're pretty much on top of things."
Haku:"You are a genius, sir!"

>>161011
...I don't think that they know we're helping you. Keep that in mind. I wonder if even Jathura knows about us?

I guess it might even be possible that we were created by whatever erased your memory. After all, we have no recollection of what happened before.

>>161011
Ask them for input and opinions. See if Raul has any information on how to best take control over a Gnoll tribe without causing them too many casulties. You want subjects, not a pile of corpses.

>>161017
They don't? Hmm... that is possible. And thanks for letting me take all the credit for your hard work. I really appreciate it.
Torus:"I thank you for the praise, everyone. I thought of that plan myself."
Haru:"Yes, it's a good plan. I'll fetch an initiation scroll for you after I'm done eating."
Speaking of eating, everyone's almost finished.
>>161027
Torus:"Any input? Opinions?"
Haru:"I think your plan is perfect."
Des:"I, for one, would like to see this in person -chie. Too bad I can't. I have acolytes to teach -chie."
Torus:"Good. Raul, do you have any advice on how to take over a gnoll tribe?"
Raul:"You can challenge the tribe leader to a challenge. If you win, you may be able to earn enough respect to become the leader. There may be other ways, but that's the way my tribe did it before I joined your following."

>>161036
Sounds easy. I mean, you're super powerful already, right?

While our followers are preparing for the invasion, we need to track down that artifact.

>>161084
I don't know exactly how powerful I am, but let's just say I'm powerful enough.
Torus:"Good. While my following is preparing an invasion, I've got something else to do."
Des:"What would that be -chie?"
Torus:"I'll need to track down an artifact that will grant me ultimate power. However, I have no idea where it is, and Murelle is already looking into it."
Haru:"I guess you're going to leave, then."
Raul:"Why would he need to leave?"
Haru:"Well, it'll be a lot quicker to track down the artifact if he's roaming outside."
Des:"I... actually kind of agree with you on that one -chie."
Raul:"He could get killed out there."
Des:"By what -chie? He's a powerful Red Mage! He managed to stand toe-to-toe with me! He isn't a pathetic weakling -chie!
I'm kind of against doing the dirty work myself, but on the other hand, I'd get to see the world.

>>161092
Well you have no idea on where to start the search yet. So hang around and see how the training progresses.

By the way, I have a trick for you to try when you have the time. Build up mana for black magic, but instead of using it for a spell make it materalise as a ball. Then you can change the shape of that ball into different things, you should be able to use it as a shield too. If you get powerful enough you should even be able to shape them into wings and fly.

You should start training before the trip as well too. Magic duels with Haru and combat with Des. The goal you should keep in mind is being able to beat both Des and Haru at the same time.

>>161187
I'll experiment with black magic as soon as I get back into my chambers.
Torus:"I think I'll stay until I get a more definitive location for the artifact."
Des:"Alright then. Would you like classes to start as soon as possible -chie?"
Haru:"As soon as possible? Wait, I have to have time to prepare!"
Des:"You don't need any time -chie. Just teack the acolytes like how you were taught chie!"
Haru:"I- I don't mean like that, just that I need time to make schedules, and get over my stage fright!"
Raul:"I can help the both of you create schedules."
Des:"I don't need a schedule -chie."
Raul:"Hey, it's always good to be prepared."
Des:"I'm as prepared as it gets -chie!"

>>161195
Torus:"Are you sure you're prepared?"
Des:"Yes, gods damnit, I'm prepared -chie!"
Torus:"I think it would be best to come up with a schedule that gets my approval."
Des:"You want a schedule -chie? Fine -chie! Monday through friday, I teach people how to fight! How's that for a schedule -chie?"

>>161598
Sounds like they can handle it themselves. Thank them for their company and return to your chambers.

Ask an acolyte to bring you one of those initiation scroll thingies. Practice magic while he is bringing it. Don't tell Jathura everything until it's been confirmed that he is not under any outside influence.

>>161751
Very well. And everyone's finished eating as well.
Torus:"It's been a pleasure conversing with all of you. I shall return to my chambers now."
Des:"It's been a pleasure talking with you as well -chie. It's like you go out of your way not to talk to me. Do I stink -chie? I don't think I stink -chie."
Haru:"It might be because he's always busy."
Raul:"Oh, come on. Mo one is that busy. Not even I am, and I have to keep an eye on much more stuff than he does."
The trio continue to converse as I leave the room. I think that went better than I expected. As I head to my chambers, I see a passing acolyte.
Torus:"Can you do me a favor and bring me an initiation scroll? I'd like to examine it."
Acolyte:"As you wish, my lord."
I continue walking to my chambers.

>>161769
Remember, don't tell Jathura everything. If there was ever a perfect spy on you it would be him. So get back, experiment some with magic, read the scroll.

And then I think you should go over and meet with Haru, ask him if he has any good spells for detecting mind control magic, communication magic or listening "device" magic. But first experimentation and reading.

I think the most important thing to find out who's really loyal is to get that damn diary open.

>>161800
Then what's the password? If you don't know, stop bugging me about it until you DO know.
>>161795
Okay, I won't. I go back to my chambers and greet Jathura.
Jathura:"How'd it go, master?"
Torus:"It went well."
While we converse, I practice my black magic. First I try the sphere, then I try more and more difficult things. Most of them work. There's a knock on the door. I open it. It's the acolyte with the scroll. I take the scroll and close the door. I open the scroll and... it's in Faer.

>>161893
Well you have been learning how to read it. Give it a try.

>>161893
Hmm. Try opening the diary with "Power" or "Des" or "Sinner"

>>161895
I can read little bits and pieces of it. I can't make it all out.
>>161906
I try all 3, but none of them work. Maybe it's the name of a parent, brother, or sister, or something else like that which I don't remember.

>>162030
Well, let's hope not because then we'd never get the damn thing open.

Better get some more practice reading the dumb stupid language.

Oh wait, just have Jathura read it to you.

>>162030
Find a book of names and a dictionary. Recite one, then the other. Your password is likely going to be in one of them.
...
Unless its a passphrase.
...
Or something with an arcane meaning.
...
Or a word you invented yourself.
...
...
...
Know what? Just unexist the lock.

>>162036
I don't think I should. You suspect him as a spy, so it's only natural he shouldn't read until all suspicion is cast off from him.
>>162038
I've already checked all the books in my chambers. None of them are a dictionary, neither are there any books with names in them.
>>162035
So, in addition to practicing my magic, I should practice Faer and oversee Des's and Haru's classes. My schedule is starting to get complicated.

>>162094
Well, you've got a lot to make up for. Split things up however you like. Though apparently it doesn't look like you need to practice magic so much as figure out exactly what you can do.

>>162094
Leaders have complicated scheduels. It's not like you can lie around all day doing nothing.

Go talk to Haru about detection magic. Something that would let you see if someone else is under some sort of compulsion, or if someone is listening in on them or if they're transmiting something. Then ask for a spell that would dispell only such spell effects.

>>162109
>>162152
Alright, I'll head over to Haru. I put my mask back on and turn to a nearby acolyte.
Torus:"You there. I need to speak with Haru about a private matter. You shall escort me to him."
Acolyte:"As you wish, my lord."
The acolyte leads me to Haru's room. I open the door.
Haru:"Ah! What can I owe this visit to, sir?"
Torus:"I currently have a great need for detection magic."
Haru:"What do you mean?"
Torus:"I need a spell that would allow you see if someone else is under some sort of compulsion, or if someone is listening in on me or if they're transmitting something."
Haru:"Um, what? Aren't you a red mage? Shouldn't you be able to do that stuff yourself? No offense, sir."

>>162161
Of course you can do it youself. You just want to make sure it's done right. Do increase the chances of that it's best to consult a fellow mage. So how would he do it?

Torus:"I just want to be sure I correctly carry it out, and that is why I'm asking a fellow mage."
Haru:"Oh, I really didn't think of that. Uh... I really can't think of any way to get rid of single effects unless it's the person who casts the magic spell. I can try and detect magic of all sources. I think I'd be able to discern between the magical effects. Where do you plan on searching, Torus?"

>>162173
Tell him it's a secret. You only want to be sure of something and if it turns out to be nothing then it's better if nobody else knows about it.

So what detection magic would he use and could it differentiate between different sorts of magic or would it just detect that there was magic working.

>>162175
Torus:"Sorry, but that information needs to be withheld. I only want to be sure of something. So what detection magic would you use and could it differentiate between different sorts of magic? or would it just detect that there was magic working?"
Haru:"I see you don't use that very often. Um... It only works to spot things that are magical. And if something has two or more different spells on it, you'd only be able to detect that it has two or more different spells on it. Is that all?"

>>162370
Thank him for the information and ask about some books on the subject. Tell him you want to research it some more.

>>162431
Torus:"That's all I require at the moment. I may require some further information on this subject. Perhaps a book or two would help."
Haru:"Books? I think I have a couple."
He turns to the small bookcase in his room and pulls out a couple of books. He hands them to me.
Haru:"These should help."
Torus:"You've been a very great help. I shall be off, then."
Haru:"See you, sir. Hope you find what you're looking for."
I start walking back to my chambers.

>>162435
Read the books and see how you should perform the spell.

If you're going to use it on Jathura you should probably freeze him before you throw it at him.

>>162437
As I walk through the corridors, I open a book and read through it. And... it basically says the same thing Haru did. It also says how to detect magic; you have to think about the object you want to see if there's any magic on.

>>162454
I arrive at my chambers again. Jathura's asleep. What should I detect first?

>>162692
Put Freeze on him first. Then try to detect any form of communication or thought control magic. If that doesn't work just plain old detect magic, also use it on the pedestal he was on when you first entered your chambers.

>>162697
I know there aren't any pedestals in my chambers.
Torus:"Freeze."
I try and detect communication magic. I sense something that fits that description. It's the skull. I try and detect thought control magic. I don't sense anything.

>>162701
Ok, do just a plain detect magic as well. Lets see how much magical stuff you have lying around in your chambers.

>>162702
I do so. There's quite a few things that are magical. The skull, obviously, the diary, a couple books, and various other things.

>>162705
Note them down for further investigations in the future.

Ok, unfreese Jathura and wake him up. Tell him "I know what you did. Why did you do it?" and see how he reacts.

>>162706
Torus:"Release."
I wake Jathura up.
Jathura:"Master, what'd you wake me up for?"
Torus:"I know what you did. Why did you do it?"
His eyes widen for a second. I think I see him blush a bit.
Jathura:"W- well... um... m- master... er... y- you smelled good... I... I couldn't resist... I apologize..."
Oh, gods... What'd he do...

>>162708
Probably some sexual licking stuff. Ask him to tell you exactly what he did and when he did it.

While this is a bit disturbing it's not as bad as if he would have been a traitor.

>>162708
You'll want to find out what he did, then.

You could feasibly confess that you do not actually know what he did (but would like to now) as he does not seem to have a traitorous streak in him. You could also try to get him to elaborate without confessing ignorance. Although the latter does not seem to be the best option as it does nothing to build trust (quite the opposite, in fact) and I recommend the former.

I recommend forgiving him regardless of what he has done.

>>162710
>>162762
Torus:"I'm sorry, I didn't actually know. Can you please tell me what you did and when?"
Jathura:"I... I... I l... I licked and groped you while you were asleep..."
I'm not sure if I like being taken advantage of in my sleep.
Torus:"I fo-"
Jathura:"I'm deeply sorry... I failed you... I no longer deserve to exist..."
It sounds like he's trying to hold back tears.

>>162865
Ask him when he did this. Then check through your instructions and notes for the ritual. The groping and licking might have broken some of the prerequitices for the ritual and caused it to fail.

>>162873
I kinda doubt that.

"Strange behavior for a creature without sexual characteristics. You're the only one I trusted before... maybe you've simply grown past your original purpose."

>>162873
All of them are in Faer, so even if I wanted to read them, I couldn't.
Torus:"When did you do this?"
Jathura:"I... I st- started doing it ab- about 10 years ago..."
He stands up.
>>162889
Torus:"Strange behavior for a creature without sexual characteristics. You're the only one I trusted before... maybe you've simply grown past your original purpose."
Jathura:"Yes... I'm not n- needed anymore... I'll... I'll leave now..."
Jathura starts walking to the door.

>>162897
"I didn't give you permission to leave."

>>162897
Hug him from behind "I said grown, Jathura, because you're more than you once were.
I'm not upset by your urges and desires, I'm upset you acted on them in secret."

>>162899
Torus:"I didn't give you permission to leave."
Jathura:"I... I know I'm not wanted anymore..."
>>162902
I hug him from behind.
Torus:"I said grown, Jathura, because you're more than you once were. I'm not upset by your urges and desires, I'm upset you acted on them in secret."
He gently grips my arms.
Jathura:"Master... I... I apologize... But... what good am I now? I've hurt you deeply..."

>>162906
"Do you really think you managed to do that for 10 years without me finding out? I'm sure I knew before. I wish I could remember exactly why I didn't bring it up. Possibly I was afraid of you leaving in shame, like you're trying to do now. Maybe I was too afraid of losing you."

>>162908
Turn him around and look into his face
"You are mine, Jathura, and in a way I suppose that means I am yours. No more secrets; I shall see to your happiness as you have seen to mine~"
Then kiss him.

Torus:"Do you really think you managed to do that for 10 years without me finding out? I'm sure I knew before. I wish I could remember exactly why I didn't bring it up. Possibly I was afraid of you leaving in shame, like you're trying to do now. Maybe I was too afraid of losing you."
Jathura:"You still care about me..."
He breaks the hug, turns around, and hugs me while allowing me to continue mine.
Jathura:"I'll try to resist for you, master."
>>162910
Torus:"You are mine, Jathura, and in a way I suppose that means I am yours. No more secrets; I shall see to your happiness as you have seen to mine~"
I kiss him. He tenses for a moment, then relaxes. We break off of the kiss. Jathura starts to purr.

>>162914
If it's almost night, then take him to bed. Otherwise, tell him you'll reward his years of service tonight.

>>162914
I'm a little surprised you aren't objecting to any of these suggestions.

You're comfortable with this? Also HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO GET HIM OFF WHEN HE HAS NO GENITALS

Wait, can you change that?

>>162920
I don't know why I'm not objecting to any of these. Maybe I... wanted him before my memories got erased. I don't know. And I don't know if I can give him any genitals. I don't know how I even created him.
>>162919
I think it's almost night.
Torus:"Jathura, I would like to reward you for your services~."
Jathura:"What do you mean?"
Torus:"Come to bed with me~."
Jathura starts blushing again.
Jathura:"A- as you wish, master."
I think I hear him purr when we slip into bed together.

>>162922
Well. I guess you're just going to have to find places on his body that he likes to be touched.

>>162924
We have our fun in bed before we fall asleep. I wake up with Jathura cuddling next to me. He's still asleep.

So, is he actually genital-free?

Try "Jathura" as the password for your diary.

>>162943
Yes, he's got nothing down there.
>>162944
I get out my diary and try that. It doesn't work. I'm starting to hate this damned thing.

>>162946
Alright, check out the books you detected magic on earlier.

>>162947
I do so, but nothing seems odd or off about them.

>>162952
Try a more careful detect magic. Find what exactly about them is magical.

>>162953
I focus on the book. I... I think the ink is what has the magic.

>>162975
Could mean it's a hidden meaning behind the ink then. See if you got some true sight that might let you see through it.

>>163288
I try to see though it. Nothing happens.
Jathura:"Master, you're awake."

>>163370
"Good morning, Jathura. I hope last night wasn't too weird for you?"

Torus:"Good morning, Jathura. I hope last night wasn't too weird for you?"
Jathura:"N- no, It was good. I liked it."

>>163392
Ugh, that whole thing is a bit weird to me. I mean you said you had no proper genitals and he certainly has none. Well whatever floats your boat I guess.

Ok since we're now reasonably certain he is as trustworthy as he seems lets get cracking on the initiation scroll. See what it says.

>>163559
I can't really read Faer, so I'll let Jathura read it since you now deem him trustworthy. I get the scroll and hand it to Jathura.
Torus:"Can you tell me what this says?"
He looks at it for a second.
Jathura:"It says 'Go to the conjoined trees and speak the answers to these riddles.' Then it has riddles. 'If you get all of them correct, the secret passage will be known to you. If you get even one wrong, you will be vaporized on the spot.'"

>>163575
Ask what the riddles are.

>>163575
Well I guess that would be a decent way to make sure you only get dedicated and decently smart followers. What are the riddles?

>>163577
>>163586
Jathura tells me the riddles. Some of them don't even sound like riddles.

>>163594
Go ask Justin how he managed to crack the riddles.

PS. Check out the discussion.

>>163595
I'm sorry, but I have no idea where Justin is right now.

>>163600
Well then ask a guard to bring him there. Or number 8 if that makes him easier to find.

I'm more curious about the wellbeing of the sacrifice girl. Send a guard to find out if she's all right. You might be able to get some useful information out of her then kill her to silence her.

>>163734
I put on my mask and peek out the door.
Torus:"You there, I require number 8."
Acolyre:"As you wish, my lord."
The acolyte walks off.
>>163770
I turn to the other acolyte.
Torus:"I also require the girl I was to sacrifice. Find out her current condition, and bring her here if possible."
Acolyte:"As you wish, my lord."

>>163770
What's the point of killing her?
If you ask her questions to see what she knows that doesn't reveal you've lost any memories, it just means you want to see what she knows.

If you REALLY want to silence her then bind her into your service; killing her for no reason is pointless. Evil for the sake of evil, not evil for the sake of power.
Be pragmatic, not a douche-bag.

>>163974
I will not kill her unless it's necessary. After a while, there's a knock on the door. It's an acolyte and the prisoner. She's wearing rags.
Acolyte:"I've bought you the prisoner, my lord."
Torus:"Excellent. Leave me, I need to converse with her."
The acolyte shoves the girl into my chambers and closes the door. The girl looks at me.

Ask her her name. What she thinks of her situation.

>>164030
Torus:"What's your name? What do you think of your situation?"
Girl:"Je ne vous comprends pas."
Uh... what?