Succubusekai: The Demoness Just Wanted To Stay With Her Friends! [Original-Ish] [Quest]

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Arc 1, Chapter 1.1.19: Kobolds Don’t Eat Babies
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    • [X] (Kobold Tracks) Try to follow the tracks backwards, see if you can find a camp or something.

    Eira raises a finger. "While we could follow them… Looking at the number, I'm going to guess they're not the full group, but a small hunting party. If that's the case…"

    Helen nods. "There's probably a main camp if we follow them backwards."

    You blink. "... Just as long as the tracks are still clear, I guess…"

    (I've been away too much lately due to travel, so GM's rolling Eira's Survial check this time… Nat 20. Seriously.)

    … It turns out they are really clear. The Kobolds weren't exactly trying to be stealthy at this point in their journey, so it's easy to trace back deeper into the woods, until…

    "... The Kobold tribes around here have quite the reputation for being expert engineers, actually," Helen raises. "Most don't interact favorably with higher-tech civilizations, so not a lot of access to refined metals…"

    You look up at the fortress of wood, rope, and carefully placed piles of unhewn stone, and observe, "... But apparently not a lot of need for them to produce something impressive and fast."

    Eira glances around from the bushes you're in - with no one actively looking, they'd need scrying magic to spot you, and you can be pretty secure in doubting that they've got that handy. "Looks like it's a one-loop fence, reinforced with partial battlements. Probably at least two escape tunnels with collapsement rigs."

    "Is that actually a word?"

    "Does it matter if you understand what I mean?"

    "Point taken."

    "Anyways," Eira continues. "Looks like…"

    (QM-rolled Investigation Check: 11+4 = 15, and Insight check: 12+6 = 18)

    "... About a week old. I'd bet much of the inside is tents. Scaled for anywhere from fifteen to forty of them. They wanted a secure location, but aren't angling for a permanent warren."

    "Meaning," Helen continues, "They're possibly hoping for Chaos Mountain to be a longer-term base."

    You blink. "... I mean, I've heard of them using mountain bases. But that means they're moving. Makes you wonder why, doesn't it?"

    Helen nods. "Which begs the question…"

    [ ] (What do we do about this?) Get out of here and signal the keep. This base won't be that quick to abandon, the garrison can take care of it. (Helen's not necessarily a fan of this, they'd DEFINITELY favor an aggressive solution.)
    [ ] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
    [ ] (What do we do about this?) Approach ready for combat. (Helen would warn that given a smaller number of bandits damn near killed us not too long ago, taking as much as thrice that number head-on is almost definitely suicide.)
    [ ] (What do we do about this?) Try to track down and slip in through one of those alternate entrances Eira suspects are present.
    [ ] (What do we do about this?) Have Senaz teleport in. (Senaz notes that this would DEFINITELY spook them and almost guarantees going loud - but from an angle they're not expecting.)
    [ ] (What do we do about this?) Write-in.

    [ ] (Plan Modifiers) Summon the door to your apartment here in the bushes; if Eira and Helen can get in, you can teleport; even if it screws up and you wind up lost in the middle of nowhere, you'd still have escaped. You could also use it to get Helen and Eira in through a route that's not any of the entrances.
    [ ] (Plan Modifiers) Use Senaz's flight to… (I'll want more specific plans with this.)
    [ ] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake being charmed by you. (You're a DEMON, race of evil nyahahaha etc etc; it won't be a hard bluff to sell that you're on their side if a well-geared honorable knight appears to be at your command.)
    [ ] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake having you at her mercy. (Conversely, if Helen looks like she's COWED a demon, that might be good for intimidating the Kobolds into not going on the attack immediately, opening a chance for diplomacy. Since they don't know you, this could be a harder sell maybe.)
    [ ] (Plan Modifiers) Distract Them With The Sexy. (They're KOBOLDS, their standard of sexy's gonna be a lot harder for Senaz, intellectually borne from mammalian humanoid norms, to pull off well.)
    [ ] (Plan Modifiers) Write-In additional modifiers. (I poked around and tried to posit routes I hadn't suggested before.)

    Plan votes are strongly encouraged this time around. Giving three days. You may ask questions that haven't been pointed out here; if you do, please throw a d20 roll onto it, and I'll apply an appropriate skill modifier to influence the quality of answer when I catch this (I'll be checking basically at random).

    If you get the reference in the title, don't get too annoying with the standard follow-on, please! :p

    Talia B said:
    hey could you crosspost this thanks
    Click to expand...
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    This is the readerbase's Occasional Reminder to go dive into AWO too.
     
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    • Hm. We could decide to do nothing, but we do need the experience. A day being a bust where we don't fight is much better than a day where we end up captured or dead...

    But the rest of these ideas all have a feeling of pick your poison, and leaving them alone likely means dealing with them when we get to Chaos Mountain, where they'll be backed up by people.

    Hrm.
     
    We could try to ambush the hunting party when it returns, perhaps. That would be a smaller group.
     
    How many of the plan modifiers are we able to apply here exactly? I'm presuming only one but I'm not entirely sure about that.
     
    Ok. Their goal is the keep, our goal is the keep. Right now we've got a party that can infiltrate well and punch up a bit, but we are weak to larger numbers and when we don't have the element of surprise.

    So I think our best bet is to get someone else to do the scouting for us, so we can plan. If we can get plans and guard rota we can sneak in and knock off the chaos cult head. I think the kobolds could see this as a good deal too: they do the lower risk part where they sneak around and run away when engaged, in exchange for us killing the heavy hitters. All we would need is a reason we are doing this that doesn't have us wanting to keep the keep. Maybe a made up treasure the cultists have?

    If we do decide to sell out the kobolds to the garrison, the best time for them to attack would be while the kobolds are traveling, not in their fortress. So immediately after or just before we make our attack- the kobolds have to plan on taking possession of the keep almost immediately after the cultist fall if the don't want to keep it.

    And if we decide the kobolds are cool and decide to become actual allies, getting them into the keep and reassuring the town that the city is dealt with means we have a non-human fallback location if demon hunters start making civilization risky.

    [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
    -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake being charmed by you. (You're a DEMON, race of evil nyahahaha etc etc; it won't be a hard bluff to sell that you're on their side if a well-geared honorable knight appears to be at your command.)
     
    [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
    -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake being charmed by you. (You're a DEMON, race of evil nyahahaha etc etc; it won't be a hard bluff to sell that you're on their side if a well-geared honorable knight appears to be at your command.)
     
    Glau said:
    Ok. Their goal is the keep, our goal is the keep. Right now we've got a party that can infiltrate well and punch up a bit, but we are weak to larger numbers and when we don't have the element of surprise.

    So I think our best bet is to get someone else to do the scouting for us, so we can plan. If we can get plans and guard rota we can sneak in and knock off the chaos cult head. I think the kobolds could see this as a good deal too: they do the lower risk part where they sneak around and run away when engaged, in exchange for us killing the heavy hitters. All we would need is a reason we are doing this that doesn't have us wanting to keep the keep. Maybe a made up treasure the cultists have?

    If we do decide to sell out the kobolds to the garrison, the best time for them to attack would be while the kobolds are traveling, not in their fortress. So immediately after or just before we make our attack- the kobolds have to plan on taking possession of the keep almost immediately after the cultist fall if the don't want to keep it.

    And if we decide the kobolds are cool and decide to become actual allies, getting them into the keep and reassuring the town that the city is dealt with means we have a non-human fallback location if demon hunters start making civilization risky.

    (VOTE REMOVED FROM QUOTE TO AVOID DOUBLECOUNT)
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    Mildly clarifying - the Kobolds may, in Eira and Senaz's guesses, be seeking to ally with the Cult, not hijack their space. You don't know for sure yet.

    But a quick redtext: I'm not going to offer diplomatic/talky answers where Senaz would have no reason to think there's a chance of success. Expect more of that as you get further in.
     
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    [X] (What do we do about this?) Have Senaz teleport in. (Senaz notes that this would DEFINITELY spook them and almost guarantees going loud - but from an angle they're not expecting.)
    -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Distract Them With The Sexy. (They're KOBOLDS, their standard of sexy's gonna be a lot harder for Senaz, intellectually borne from mammalian humanoid norms, to pull off well.)

    Is is possibly a bad plan? Yes. But at the same time, Senaz just teleporting in there and putting the moves on would be hilarious and could work out advantageously even if the sexy part fails too. I mean, we have break the ice somehow :p
     
    [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
    -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake having you at her mercy. (Conversely, if Helen looks like she's COWED a demon, that might be good for intimidating the Kobolds into not going on the attack immediately, opening a chance for diplomacy. Since they don't know you, this could be a harder sell maybe.)
     
    [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
    -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake being charmed by you. (You're a DEMON, race of evil nyahahaha etc etc; it won't be a hard bluff to sell that you're on their side if a well-geared honorable knight appears to be at your command.)
     
    [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
    -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake being charmed by you. (You're a DEMON, race of evil nyahahaha etc etc; it won't be a hard bluff to sell that you're on their side if a well-geared honorable knight appears to be at your command.)

    If they just want a new home, we get allies like Glau suggested. If they're out to join the cult, we run and come up with Plan B.
     
    [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)

    -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake having you at her mercy. (Conversely, if Helen looks like she's COWED a demon, that might be good for intimidating the Kobolds into not going on the attack immediately, opening a chance for diplomacy. Since they don't know you, this could be a harder sell maybe.)
     
    [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
    -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake being charmed by you. (You're a DEMON, race of evil nyahahaha etc etc; it won't be a hard bluff to sell that you're on their side if a well-geared honorable knight appears to be at your command.)
     
    Vote closed
  • Voting
    • Scheduled vote count started by NekoIncardine on Nov 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM, finished with 15 posts and 8 votes.
    • [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
      -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake being charmed by you. (You're a DEMON, race of evil nyahahaha etc etc; it won't be a hard bluff to sell that you're on their side if a well-geared honorable knight appears to be at your command.)
      [X] (What do we do about this?) Approach with an attempt to be diplomatic. (Eira would warn this could be a high-risk tactic - if the Kobolds are moving, something may have cost them their past lair, leaving them agitated.)
      -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Have Helen fake having you at her mercy. (Conversely, if Helen looks like she's COWED a demon, that might be good for intimidating the Kobolds into not going on the attack immediately, opening a chance for diplomacy. Since they don't know you, this could be a harder sell maybe.)
      [X] (What do we do about this?) Have Senaz teleport in. (Senaz notes that this would DEFINITELY spook them and almost guarantees going loud - but from an angle they're not expecting.)
      -[X] (Plan Modifiers) Distract Them With The Sexy. (They're KOBOLDS, their standard of sexy's gonna be a lot harder for Senaz, intellectually borne from mammalian humanoid norms, to pull off well.)
    Click to expand...
     
  • Voting
    • Arc 1, Chapter 1.1.20: Kobolds Don’t Eat Babies
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    • "So," you observe. "I see three options. Open and fighty, open and diplomatic, or try to sneak in."

    Eira adds, "Or just report the location to the garrison and let them handle it."

    Helen pauses. "The garrison 'handling it' could kill them. Which if we knew they were with the cult I'd be okay with, but…"

    "We don't know either way," you finish. "They could be already aligned with them, hoping to align with them, or against them. Without knowing which…"

    "Garrison would definitely go aggressive regardless," Eira responded, tail drooping a bit.

    You pause. "I'm thinking diplomatic to start."

    Eira pauses. "... I mean, are you sure? Most of the kobold tribes aren't nomadic, and the style of constructions we're seeing here doesn't make me think these ones are an exception. Meaning… Helen, I think you can complete my guess."

    The Paladin blinks. "... Meaning they may have lost their base. Which could mean they're panicking and agitated."

    You smirk. "... Then if we want to get information, we need leverage. Fortunately, there's an easy solution there."

    Helen blinks. "... Um, if you can clarify?"

    You let your wings dramatically unfurl. "Kobolds have a rep for working with demons. It's not entirely bullshit, I can verify." As in there was tribes working with your (former?) master.

    "One Succubus coming with friendly intent and reasonably fair negotiation would default to a rather more positive perception with them… Especially if she appeared to have leverage in the local area."

    "You are not painting my armor black," Helen responded. "Solaria would kill me, in the metaphorical way of a highly, highly disappointed parent."

    That's enough to make both you and Eira shudder (even if you're pretty sure that's not the case), before you continue, "Not even close to that far. It's much easier to…"

    [ ] (Charm Plan) "... Lemme put you under my charm spell, so that if they detect magic, they'll see you're under an enchantment and you won't break the act on accident."
    [ ] (Charm Plan) "... Fake being charmed, just to ensure if I do something stupid you can easily grab me and drag me the Layers out of there."
    [ ] (Charm Plan) "... Lemme put you under a fake suggestion; little trick another of the Succubi taught me. Keeps you fully lucid and able to snag me if I do something bad, but if one of them detects magic, you'll light up as under my influence."

    ---

    In addition to the choice, I'd like two Bluff checks (one each for Senaz and Helen) and one Persuasion (from Senaz).

    To summarize the effects:
    If they check if Helen's charmed and she's not, the Persuasion DC will be higher as they'll know you're faking... But Helen can potentially save with a fake explanation.
    If you flub the persuasion and Helen isn't ACTUALLY charmed, she'll be able to either attempt to salvage the situation, or at least be better prepped to cover you.
    If Helen is charmed for real, the Bluff DC for her check goes down massively - but she'll be slower to react to a bad statement. Also, she'll be less happy about this idea even if it's got an explainable practical advantage. As long as you do it planned, you don't have to worry about her saving throw - she'll go with the plan.

    Yes, this is introducing an option you hadn't previously considered.

    Choose wisely (or at least humorously!). And thank you for your patience!
     
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    • Nice. Ok, I think

    [X] (Charm Plan) "... Lemme put you under a fake suggestion; little trick another of the Succubi taught me. Keeps you fully lucid and able to snag me if I do something bad, but if one of them detects magic, you'll light up as under my influence."

    Because that way it's a one and done thing and the rest of the party gets to hear what it is- keeps the succubus honest. ;)
     
    [X] (Charm Plan) "... Lemme put you under a fake suggestion; little trick another of the Succubi taught me. Keeps you fully lucid and able to snag me if I do something bad, but if one of them detects magic, you'll light up as under my influence."
     
    [X] (Charm Plan) "... Lemme put you under my charm spell, so that if they detect magic, they'll see you're under an enchantment and you won't break the act on accident."
     
    [X] (Charm Plan) "... Lemme put you under a fake suggestion; little trick another of the Succubi taught me. Keeps you fully lucid and able to snag me if I do something bad, but if one of them detects magic, you'll light up as under my influence."

    would be my pick of these - best combination of us not having to lie about things AND not harming our ally's reactions AND our allies actually agreeing to them. Yes, it still puts is reliant on a Paladin's bluff check, but shouldn't be _too_ horrible.
     
    [X] (Charm Plan) "... Lemme put you under a fake suggestion; little trick another of the Succubi taught me. Keeps you fully lucid and able to snag me if I do something bad, but if one of them detects magic, you'll light up as under my influence


    How does one do a die roll in here for things like Bluff checks?
     
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    If you go back to edit your post, there should be an option to roll dice.

    We need 2d20, right?
     
    [x] (Charm Plan) "... Lemme put you under a fake suggestion; little trick another of the Succubi taught me. Keeps you fully lucid and able to snag me if I do something bad, but if one of them detects magic, you'll light up as under my influence
     
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