Deirdre was able to convince Iyanu, Aya kicked ass, and the powerful MacGuffin has been stolen! A very fun and exciting update!
Voting just for Amina's group because I think they're fun. Edit: Actually, that ties the vote... I'll change my vote tomorrow if it stays tied, but I really want to talk to Amina's group more than the other two.
Vote seems to be really close! I'll close the vote in around 4 hours. If there's a really close vote/tie though, I might extend it until the morning. If it helps with decision-making, this will be closer to socializing/getting to know the group better than something actually pertaining to the investigation, though there will be some small hints or blurbs for it of course. Edit: Guess I'll be extending the vote by another 12 hours.
Alright, closing the vote now! Thankfully the tie got broken. I'm particularly excited for the next update, and I aim to get it done under 12 hours(hopefully!) for you all.
[X] The Temple Investigation Trio - 8 votes
[X] Amina's Group - 7 votes
[X] The Good Cauldron - 6 votes
"Wow, look at this Danny! You'd never see anything like this back in Avista."
You, along with the rest of Amina's crew, stand in the Well of Orishas. A structure built near the seat of power and governance of both the capital city and of the entire region, it is the spiritual bastion of much of the region through which most of the nearby villages and towns are connected to. Every nation has its own way of providing protection against various magical influences from within and without. While Sumeri's methods are often less powerful and secure due to both the more open connection between it and the Currents and the lack of cooperation between the various autonomous states within the nation, they are still potent.
Standing within the building, you drink in the sight of one of the few remaining magical wonders of the world. Glowing white orbs and lights dance around each other in a mesmerizing display. Sometimes they circle the room in an orderly fashion, and other times they scatter and create a riot of blinking lights. The domed walls are lit up and revealed at different times, displaying the decorations on them in what some say hold hidden meanings.
You aren't totally sure of that, though you admit that your understanding of the Orishas and how exactly the people in this region of Sumeri have created such a phenomenon is incomplete. You know that the Ori of people here is in some way related to their soul, imprint, and essence, and that the Orishas are spirits sent to guide and assist them in some way. From that, it's not too large of leap to guess that parts of the Ori of past, present, and future inhabitants of the region must be gathered here, intertwined with each other's fate and destinies to help protect the common spiritual health of the people.
Dan, limping slightly but looking much better after Kiran's ministrations, peers up at the lights before replying to Rowan, "We have our own way… but I'll admit that this looks much more mystical."
"The Light's wonders are truly awe-inspiring," Kiran breathes out.
Rowan turns to him, "Actually, this was here before the Light even existed…"
The sphatika shakes his head, "I don't claim that the institutions of the Light own this, but I do think that all things that fight back against the evils lurking beyond fall under its umbrella. If you wish to be pedantic, Rowan, many religions and similar beliefs have chosen to adopt the philosophy of the Light in some way while maintaining their own unique customs. If you looked at the plaques before entering here, you'd have known that."
The sylvan huffs, "Oh for crying out loud. Of course they'd say that…"
You tune the two bickering members out as you look at Amina quietly staring up at the Ori with a strangely solemn expression on her face. Moving to stand beside her, the two of you start attracting a few of the lights, the orbs circling and slightly obscuring the two of you from the others.
"... it's beautiful." Amina finally says, not speaking in her usual grandiose tone and speech.
You nod in agreement, "It is."
After looking at the lights for a few more moments, she tears her eyes away from them to look at you, "Lady Dee, I want to ask something of you."
Turning to her, you gesture for her to continue.
"I know you are investigating the demons and their loathsome worshipers. Don't worry, I don't doubt your intentions in approaching us. In fact, I believe it to be quite the stroke of luck for our merry band. While you may think of us as just pretenders playing a game… I genuinely wish to help. I want to protect sights such as these and those that can't protect themselves."
You suck in a breath, but she continues before you can say anything in response, "I understand it'll be dangerous. I'm not blind to the fact that I might've died in that warehouse, or that Dan could've lost his life to that witch. I don't want to ever put my friends in that position again… so please call on all of us to help when you have need of it. If it comes down to it… I swear I will take responsibility. I brought them all here, and I'll lay down my life first to protect them if I have to. This is something I want, no, have to do. I know you worry about us, and I understand why, but we all knew what we were getting into when we left our homes."
Despite the brave words, you catch an undercurrent of fear and uncertainty in her voice. Just then, the Ori circling you two drifts away, and Amina catches something over your shoulder that draws her attention. Sending you one last meaningful look, she walks away and hollers something at them as you're left alone to ponder on what was shared between you two. Well, mostly alone. You catch sight of the solitary bake-danuki not too far from where you were, clearly having heard what you two discussed. You don't really know what Aya thought of what Amina said, but she simply nods at you before walking away as well.
To your surprise, you receive a text from Jasiri not too long after you left the Well of Orishas asking if you'd like to go on an outing with her, Fatoumata, and Amin. She claims that she's been trying to get the miu to take a break for a few days now, and that if you come by, it might help get Fatoumata to actually stay there for more than twenty minutes. Curious on how this will all go down, you accept and head to your destination.
Arriving at the busy street that hosts much of the food stands and restaurants of the city, you swivel your head a bit to find who you're looking for a few moments. Catching sight of the hat that Fatoumata still seems to be wearing, you make your way to the three and almost double take at the sight of the three.
Jasiri mostly seems to be normal, but Amin looks downright strange dressed in baggy work pants and a t-shirt with the logo of some band on it, the guitar standing proudly at the center. A very tight shirt as well, if the muscles that seem to be almost bulging out of the fabric are any indication. Fatoumata almost makes you wonder if someone else stole her hat as the very colorful blouse and almost scandalous skirt she's wearing is very far removed from the impeccable dress shirt and pants you've come to expect from her. Walking on specialized heels for miu and wearing a scarf around the fur of her neck, you come to a stop as you stare at the miu who previously seemed to have only one outfit in her wardrobe.
Fatoumata cocks her head challengingly at you, "What?"
You shake your head, "Nothing."
Jasiri laughs at you two as she gestures for everyone to follow her, "Fatoumata loves to dress up whenever she can. Technically, demon slayers have their uniforms, but she took one look at it and simply showed up at the temple in the outfit you usually see her in one day without a word. There were objections to it, but when the other demon hunters started to dress their own way too, the priests and clerics stopped protesting."
"You don't need to tell my whole life story to her, Jasiri," the miu says without too much heat.
The gnoll simply giggles, and soon the four of you are seated in an outdoor dining area with food and drinks for all of you. You and the other two women have something slightly alcoholic, but Amin has some sugary concoction with at least four different colors in it. The paladin raised an eyebrow at you when he catches you staring over his drink. You decide not to comment on it. Instead, the four of you exchange some small talk before you decide to ask some more probing questions.
"While I understand how Jasiri and Amin might've chosen their paths, I'm curious how you became a demon hunter, Fatoumata. That's not a profession people tend to pursue on a whim. If it's something you're not willing to share though…"
The miu takes a sip of her beverage before looking you in the eyes, "Mmm, I suppose I do know a lot more about you than you do me. I don't mind sharing. I was taken in by a demon hunter, friend of my parents from what I understand. He raised me along with his daughter, but while she decided to pursue a different path in life, I suppose I was drawn in by the mystique and heroism of fighting back against the demons…"
She trails off, and you wait patiently for her to continue. She didn't outright say it, but you were able to infer that her parents must've passed away. Possibly from cultists? It might explain their relation to a demon hunter and her desire to become one.
Jasiri pipes up before the miu continues, "Oh come on, Fatoumata! Why don't you tell her about when you started dressing up in trench coats for weeks, or stared gruffly at everyone in the corner of the classroom while mumbling to yourself? By the Light, I remember whenever you did presentations—mmphiejwr"
Fatoumata covers the mouth of her friend while keeping her expression as blank as possible, though her pulling her hat down to hide her face reveals that she's failing in that. Amin simply continues savoring his sickeningly sweet drink in peace.
"Ahem. Eventually, I became a demon hunter of the church, and inherited my… father's position," she says the last part a bit awkwardly, as if not used to saying it out loud like that. "I… suppose I should let you know that he didn't simply retire to a quiet life afterwards. He moved into politics, and is currently the President of this region. Demon hunters are quite well-regarded here, and retiring from the position allowed him to pursue a political office quite easily."
Jasiri grins once the hand is removed from her mouth, "Yeah, Fatoumata is really proud of him. She watches all his press conferences and debates when she can, and—AH!"
The gnoll is cut off once more when a drink is spilled all over her, the miu wearing a faux apologetic expression as she sets her glass back on the table.
"Oh my, it must've slipped from my hands. So sorry, Jasiri."
"FATOUMATA!"
The conversation never recovers from there, so you resign yourself to enjoying your meal in peace with the paladin. This isn't what you were expecting coming into this, but it relieves you in a way to see that the three still seem capable of enjoying life.
Nokoyo, Wazobia, Sumeri - 08/21/1493
The meeting room is jovial despite the tenseness that comes with an official briefing, the recent string of successes having served to uplift everyone's morale. Small smiles can be seen on the faces of clerics, initiates, and technicians alike as they chatter quietly amongst themselves. Cleric Eze, the human you met on the airship here, gives you a nod as you take your seat near the front of the table. Jasiri gives you a distracted smile as she prepares something on the various devices before her, ears tucked back in concentration.
You consider the past few days as you wait for everything to start. In comparison to your more crazy adventures, it was relatively calm all things considered. Nobody was killed or seriously hurt, you managed to foresee the betrayal, and you were given clear goals that were achieved without issue. Not only that, but you managed to mostly maintain your cover while also handling the ambushes the cultists set up in anticipation of your arrival. Heh, Commander Nasrin would've—
Your mood instantly plummets from the thought you unwittingly walked into. Looking away from the others, you take a deep breath and try to loosen the tightness of your hands and posture. The sudden lump in your throat remains though, as well as the heaviness that settles on your shoulders. You've been doing better the past few decades, but all it takes is a single stray thought for you to be torn out of this… illusion you continue to deceive yourself with.
Screwing your expression into something as neutral as you can make it, you look back at the people around you. Clerics and initiates mill about, and if you can will yourself to believe in it, you can pretend that you're back in the Incursion, aiding the never-ending Crusades against the demon host. It isn't though. You spot a robed human who wouldn't have been out of place back then on her tablet, while a gnoll was listening to something connected to his ears with his eyes closed. Familiar apparel clothed unfamiliar faces, and you know that the empty seat is awaiting Fatoumata and not the Commander of the Third Crusade.
You wonder if the ease in which you slotted yourself into this investigation is due to your longing for something resembling even a little bit of your past life. In retrospect, it's almost a little ridiculous how you've ended up here. Going off a single offhand comment from Grog to investigate demons in one of the largest nations in Orbis? The fact you landed in the one city among many with significant demonic influence and found yourself involved in the main investigation…
You blink. What are you doing here? You've… already done this, did your part in ridding Orbis of malign forces from the Currents. Why are you here again, and do you need to involve yourself like this? A tingling chill runs through your back and a painfully hollow feeling begins to form in your chest. You try to think to yourself how stupid it is since they've only known you for a few days, but you can't help but feel isolated from everyone happily conversing with each other. No one approaches you, and the reminder that no one is here from back then is all the more apparent because of that. Your thoughts begin to jumble together as they seem to almost impact and crash into each other. How many times will you what are you who are where are you don't want to be—
"Ms. Pathstrider?"
The world snaps back into focus as you jolt at your name being called, your knee hitting the table when you look at the one who said it. To your surprise, it's Fatoumata, the demon hunter having arrived and begun the meeting while your mind was spiraling. The miu peers at you with an unreadable expression, hands steepled together and looking as well-groomed as ever. However, the first thing that leaves your mouth isn't an apology or a request for the demon hunter to repeat what she just said, but a random detail you immediately notice.
"This is the first time you didn't refer to me as Ms. Crusader."
Silence. The others in the room who have fallen silent have somehow become even more quiet to see how this will turn out. Amin, standing loyally behind Fatoumata, raises an eyebrow on his now open face at you. Jasiri looks like she can't quite connect what was just said with the dignified and mythical elf before her. You stoically stare back at the miu, keeping your expression as blank as possible to hide the fact that you blurted out something after not paying attention. Honestly, of all the bad habits you could pick up… Fatoumata slowly unfurls her hands and lays them flat on the table as she tilts her head.
In the tiniest, smallest, and slightest amount that you'd need a magnifying glass despite your enhanced eyesight to be sure, you see a corner of the miu's mouth turn up.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're speaking of, Ms Pathstrider," the lying, cheeky cat says. "I of course respect your participation in the Crusades, if that is what you are referring to…?"
So this is how she wants to play things then. Making a great fuss out of this in front of everyone won't be a good look for you, but an elf's revenge is something to be feared. You'll get her for this when she least expects it. Taking a deep breath that calms whatever tension and nerves still remain from earlier, you focus your mind on the matter at hand. Namely, responding with snide and petty remarks.
"Ah, pardon me. I must've misheard you several times across four days," you say, leaning back without a hint of humor on your face.
Fatoumata almost lounges in her seat as she replies, "That sounds serious. Perhaps you should have that treated by a professional. Would you like me to repeat my previous statement since you seem to be struggling with your hearing?"
"That would be preferred, yes. I appreciate honesty and forthrightness from others."
"I endeavor to be truthful and direct, as the Light advocates its followers to be," she intones. "I was just commending you on your excellent performance and great contributions to the success of the investigation. Would you like to speak a few words for all of us here?"
You spare a glance at the spectators, catching Jasiri in the middle of whipping her head between the two of you in disbelief and receiving a very unimpressed look from Cleric Eze that seems to be put on to stop himself from laughing. Clearing your throat while standing up from your seat, you place both hands on the table and lean forward to meet everyone's gazes.
"I would like to first commemorate the bravery and courage of everyone here. Confronting demons and their worshipers is a task never easily performed, and it is all too easy to dismiss concerns of such things until it is too late. I have seen it all too many times, of officials and authority figures reluctant to look within their walls to expose the rot, frightened of the power of demons, or having lost their motivation due to the seemingly unending tide of demonic encroachment on our beautiful world. To know and see individuals such as yourselves ready to take action immediately against such influences is heartening to see."
Nods all around as normality returns to the meeting room and you smoothly transition to 'inspiring legendary elf' mode. Grog would tease you so much if he could hear this right now.
"However, I would like to remind everyone that courage and piety alone will not cleanse the infection that has gripped this grand city," you continue, drawing more intent looks. "The Crusades against the Incursion had seen many great and grand figures rise to the occasion to safeguard our world. Yet for decades, Kiengir was beset on both the northern and southern fronts of the invasion in a bloody stalemate, with us slowly losing our will and capability to fight back until the Third and Last Crusade, the struggle to end all struggles."
You peer at the people before you, so painfully similar to what a room full of crusaders back then might've looked like, before continuing, "Many of you might've wondered what changed during this final crusade. I am sure you've debated and studied this in your lessons. I cannot claim to have all the answers, but I do know one. I've seen the Commander of the Third Crusade and how she led. She was no great military mind with a storied lineage, a pious and unyielding warrior of light blessed by the celestials, or someone who balanced making dark deals with fell powers with achieving their goals. I cannot even say she was a woman of the people, for she was truly terrible at convincing people at times and quite fond of what few talents she had."
There are a few scandalized looks from those you assume might've admired her. Surprisingly, you catch one from Amin of all people. You can't think of two more different people, so you're curious what drew that reaction.
"I think what struck me about her was… how unbothered she seemed at all times," you say, tone turning wistful as you close your eyes. "Not in an arrogant or uncaring fashion, but more that she never lost herself. She joked with her companions, took vindictive pleasure in pushing back on negative influences on the Crusades, and made quite possibly the worst quips ever against even the most ferocious demons in the middle of battle. Truthfully… I believe that is the only way in which to combat demons effectively. To show how little hold and influence they have on you and your ability to be happy, to live a life that while aware of their threat, is free of their insidious control."
You don't realize the large smile on your face until you open your eyes and for a moment, see a painfully familiar visage staring back at you at the head of the table that wipes it from your lips. Light, messy hair framed the dark eyes and tanned face of a human dressed in only slightly decorative light armor with a dusty gray cloak almost draped over her like a coat. The circlet that she liked to wear is tilted a little over her slightly pointed ears. A smirk and raised eyebrow from Commander Nasrin greets you as she points to herself as if to ask, "who, me?" to you.
And then all of a sudden, she disappears in a blink of an eye. You surreptitiously brush your face with your hand, clearing the water that must've gotten on your face somehow. There is a respectful silence from all present for a moment as you take your time to regain yourself. It seems that this is a day of remembrance for yourself, unasked for as it is.
You sit back down as you finish your speech, "I apologize for going on a tangent there. Thank you for listening."
Fatoumata looks at you with an even more intense expression than she usually wears as she inclines her head, "No, no. That was… enlightening. Thank you for sharing, truly."
Amin surprisingly speaks up, breaking his silent vigil, "The demons are a multifaceted force. One must not let them impact any part of their life, lest they establish a stronghold within your heart."
The miu makes a strange expression at those words, face twisting slightly before she schools it back into her usual neutral look. Amin doesn't seem too bothered anymore at least, so what you said earlier about Nasrin must've not been too serious to him.
"Let's move on to why we're all here, yes?" Fatoumata says. "In the past few days, we have accomplished important objectives and obtained a wealth of information. Jasiri and her team have been hard at work in organizing it into something useful, so I'll leave it to her to explain what we've found and what conclusions we can draw from it."
Jasiri nods as she presses a few buttons on the devices before her and opens up a few holographic displays for you all, "Yeah, the information that we found on the hacker's computer is extensive. We've located a bunch of their supply routes and hideouts, as well as various individuals connected to the cults. The police and temple have coordinated to apprehend most of them, while the rest have been scattered. Whatever small scale operations they've been conducting here have pretty much been taken down for good."
"Deirdre's discovery of one of their shell companies has pretty much dismantled what remained, as well as giving us a few more leads into the few things we still don't know for sure yet. The cultists were careful in sharing truly important details and despite there being signs of a central leader organizing this, many of the cultists we interrogated seem to have reported to different people."
Jasiri brings up an image of Carmun, "This is Carmun, real name Nneka Chidozie. While not part of the leadership in the cult, she is an important part of their operations and possibly one of their strongest individuals in combat ability. She has been… surprisingly open with our questioning, and confirms our suspicion that the cult has been speeding up their operations the past few days. It's possible that despite much of their infrastructure having been dismantled, they may have allowed it in order to expedite their true goal."
Fatoumata interjects here, "With everything put together, it's clear what they are planning. Tomorrow is Sumeri's National Day, the day in which we all united under one flag. Many of these cultists are people recruited in the northern regions before being sent down here where it is more vulnerable to demonic influences. Whether this is an attempt to destabilize Sumeri overall or some deranged plan from an independence movement from whichever region is threatening to separate from the confederation this time, we're still not sure. Either way it's something we need to stop."
"Which means we do not have much time," you infer.
While it made logical sense on a surface level for operations to speed up to meet a deadline, you wonder if they would've been so reckless and hasty if you had arrived here differently. Disposable resources are still resources, and there's nothing saying they couldn't have still achieved their goals on time while conducting their operations normally. Yes, their hastiness gave you more information, but it also spurred them to conduct more operations despite the risk, and who knows what they succeeded with that they wouldn't have otherwise? There's no use thinking about this however.
"Correct," Fatoumata says. "It might've been possible to pursue some other leads today and then tackle the main problems tomorrow if they haven't shown themselves to be hasty and erratic… but I'd rather not leave it to chance now that we have a better idea of what they are like. 'Thankfully', it seems that our 'friends' have supplemented our investigation for the matters we didn't have time for. Jasiri?"
You note the reluctance in the miu's tone. What group could she be so grudging about receiving help from?
1d6 roll for police investigation: 3 1d6 roll for museum investigation: 4
At least one roll is greater than 3, so receive a free tip from the Advocates. Police investigation is greater than 1, so receive information regarding them. Both investigations are tied to each other, so was able to use the Advocate's information to also help in finding moles within the police force.
Jasiri sighs, "Help is help, Fatoumata. The Advocates gave us a tip on where to find some information on what was stolen from the museum. After questioning the one they directed us to, we both came to the conclusion that the cultists stole the Mmaagha Kamalu. We don't know why exactly since it's a sword that's lost most of its enchantments, but it probably can't be good."
You start as you recognize the blade in question. It was a sacred weapon used by those a bit further south, and you distantly remember several wielders of it during your time there. It glowed red in the presence of demonic energies and influence while causing increased reverberations onto whatever it impacted. When Commander Nasrin was in the middle of her campaign in the south, it was offered to her as she was a swordswoman with few equals, but she declined it and claimed that it was better for powerful weapons to be in multiple hands rather than just her own.
"Additionally," she continues. "There were… insinuations and implications that they left in their message about the police who were handling the museum investigation. Along with what we found out on our own, we believe we managed to cull most of the cultist's influence over our friends in blue. They've again stated that they expect no repayment for this, and request another meeting in order to coordinate our efforts."
Fatoumata frowns, "They aren't so generous usually."
Jasiri shrugs, "You and I both saw that it was written personally by the person that seems to be leading the investigation on their own side. Noor Maamoun. All I got is that she's a gnoll and arrived here recently, around the time Deirdre came here actually. She definitely seems more intent and willing to take the fight against the cultists. I suspect that this is something personal for her."
"The temple can't be seen communicating with them regardless," the miu says, remaining firm in her denial. "But if someone not officially part of us wishes to speak with them, we will not protest if they come to… help."
Fatoumata carefully doesn't look at you, but everyone knows that she's talking about you.
The gnoll technician speaks up, "Anyways, there's really only two paths for us to take now that we have gathered everything we could. We know roughly where they're storing their… sacrifices at."
Jasiri spits out that last part, and everyone's mood plummets as the realization that there's still many people stuck in deplorable conditions in their city. With the amount of people they gathered just for a sudden ritual in the warehouse earlier, the victims in a designated facility for sacrifices can number in the hundreds. Possibly even more with the most grim estimations.
"It's somewhere outside the bounds of the city, but within reach by car or air from other regions of the nation," she continues after a moment. "While we are most definitely sending a team to rescue the people the cults have abducted, there is unfortunately another, equally important matter."
Eyes turn to Fatoumata as she chooses to speak here, "While we have long suspected it, it is now all but confirmed that there is someone influential in our government supporting the cults. We believe they are the likely ringleader, and that they have long prepared for whatever they have planned tomorrow. As the one with the highest authority here with regards to the investigation, I plan to go speak with the President who has returned to Nokoyo recently about our discoveries while finding out what I can from various officials there. A support team will be on call nearby in case this gets hot and will help escort the President out."
The miu turns to you finally, "Everyone's role here is mostly decided already, but you have proven your ability, Ms. Pathstrider. I shall leave it up to you on which course of action you wish to provide your direct aid in."
You lean back and consider all the information and options presented to you. The most important decision to make is deciding whether to help rescue the victims or figuring out the ringleader of the cult. Instinctively, you want to get the hundreds or more people that might be killed at any moment out as soon as possible. Without you there to handle anything unexpected, the casualties from the operation may be far greater than any here will like. Additionally, taking away sacrifices will hamper any rituals the cult might be planning on performing. This is a mission you will be more suited to handle as well.
However, their operations will definitely be more hampered if you can ferret out the mind behind all this. Even if you don't apprehend or kill them, you may force them in a disadvantageous position and seize whatever is left behind in their escape. How many more people will be killed if the mastermind is free to complete whatever foul plans they are conducting? The final confrontation, if there even is one waiting for you all, will be made easier and less fraught with danger as well for everyone in the city. Fatoumata will be able to bring you too without rousing as much suspicion under the pretense of introducing you. All it will cost are the likely many lives stored in a heavily defended facility.
It is a classic case of hitting the belly or going for the head, just in a slightly different frame. Going for the safer but likely less impactful result or going for the riskier but likely more rewarding outcome seems to be the current dynamic of the investigation. It rankles you to use such terms when the lives of the innocent are at hand, but it is the simplest way of seeing it.
As for the Advocates, while they may not have been directly confronting the cultists, it's not as if they had the authorization to do so anyways. They've provided aid free of any strings attached to the investigation, and their apparent leader in this city has demonstrated some sort of personal interest in removing the cultists here. With things moving faster and the stakes getting higher, their help will be appreciated. You don't doubt that they have some form of combat support to give right now that could help tip the balance. You can just meet them and decline their aid if it isn't to your liking really, but you just don't know if you should even give them an inch they can use and potentially waste precious time meeting them if discussions don't go well.
Amina's party has all but offered their direct assistance to the investigation at this point, yet hesitation still lingers within you. This is likely the last chance you have in distancing them from the dangers of the investigation. You have already connected with them and formed friendships, so it's not as if you'll never see them again if you don't draw them in further. If this investigation is going into more dangerous waters like you're expecting, there is a very real chance that they get hurt or, you hate even thinking about it, killed. Their aid has been indispensable and they are clearly talented and eager, yet they have so much of their lives left to live.
You shelve that for now, focusing on the last being you can call upon for help. From what you've been told, you're not really sure if Ophelia can help much with either task. You can't really bring her with you to meet the President if you want any chance at subtlety, and you're very hesitant on entrusting her in a mission involving the rescue of hostages that she'll probably struggle in caring about while throwing explosions around.
But… something that this investigation has missed is identifying just who all these cultists are worshiping and performing sacrifices for. You don't know how many demons or what exactly they're following, and you're sure the lowly henchman was told some random title that barely references who it might be. Ophelia might be able to investigate the Currents around this area to figure out who exactly is orchestrating this from beyond Orbis, but it's definitely more risky. There's a significant chance she won't find anything, and while she may not demand anything in return for that, it'll probably make her reluctant to perform more tasks afterwards.
There are many decisions you have to make here, which will affect the conclusion of this investigation. Laying both hands on the table as you lean forward, you open your mouth and give your answer.
Investigation Action: Choose One:
[] Hit the stomach, go rescue the sacrifices stored in the cult's main facility for them and stop them from being used
[] Go for the head, discover the mastermind behind all this and stop their plans before they can enact them on the city
Advocate Decision: Choose One:
[] Meet with the Advocates Depending on how the discussion goes, they will provide support for either the operation you choose not to go on or help you in your own operation. They will be part of any future discussions with the investigation as well.
[] Ignore them You will likely not see them again in Sumeri.
Adventurer Decision: Choose One:
[] Bring in Amina's group for support
[] Leave Amina's group out of this, they've done enough
Ophelia Decision: Choose One:
[] Have Ophelia investigate the Currents around the area (DC 18 rolling 3d6. Uses Ophelia's Phenomenal Magic Stat(+5)+1 from using magic in the Currents. If failed, Ophelia will not demand a favor from you, but it will count towards the three total requests you can ask of her for this volume. She has two remaining.)
[] Don't call on Ophelia It's a demon you'll have to handle anyways, and you have enough experience to adapt to whichever one is directing this. Don't waste her here.
Vote will be counted by line, but if it helps format your vote, feel free to format it in a plan and I'll count it accordingly.
AN:
*collapses in exhaustion* Whew, this is the biggest update yet of the quest. It started flowing though and I got into it easier and easier as it went on. Probably one of the few chapters where I'm sort of satisfied with finishing, even if there's still some things that feel off. Anyways, this is a very important vote that will decide pretty much how the last parts of the quest will go. When I asked earlier if the pace was too slow, this was sort of what I had in mind for making it faster, but I sort of compromised when I came to actually writing it and added a bit more to it. If there are any questions, I will answer them as much as I can without outright spoiling. Hopefully you all enjoyed this one.
[X] Go for the head, discover the mastermind behind all this and stop their plans before they can enact them on the city
Always go for the decapitation strike, I say.
[X] Meet with the Advocates
Really on the fence here, but...wiping out cultists should be the priority. The people they've kidnapped don't care where the info comes from, they just need the job to get done.
[X] Bring in Amina's group for support
Easy call. Why leave resources on the table in a crisis? They want to get out there for real, now is the time.
[X] Don't call on Ophelia
Again, really on the fence about this, but it seems like we might have better uses for her time later.
I don't have particularly strong opinions on whether to go for stomach or head so I'll leave that up to you guys. Meeting the Advocates is a given for me imo.
Now for calling in Ophelia, personally, I wouldn't do it unless we're not bringing in Amina's party. While I admittedly have a bit of reluctance of calling them for aid, this is a pretty big deal so it's hard to say no to a free extra hand.
[] Have Ophelia investigate the Currents around the area (DC 18 rolling 3d6. Uses Ophelia's Phenomenal Magic Stat(+5)+1 from using magic in the Currents. If failed, Ophelia will not demand a favor from you, but it will count towards the three total requests you can ask of her for this volume. She has two remaining.)
There's a 37.5% chance of Ophelia succeeding at the roll. A bit more than a 1/3, basically. Not great, but good enough to make the attempt, I think. And given things are wrapping up, we might not get two more chances to ask for her help.
[X] Go for the head, discover the mastermind behind all this and stop their plans before they can enact them on the city.
[X] Meet with the Advocates.
[X] Bring in Amina's group for support.
[X] Have Ophelia investigate the Currents around the area.
[X] Go for the head, discover the mastermind behind all this and stop their plans before they can enact them on the city.
[X] Meet with the Advocates.
[X] Bring in Amina's group for support.
[X] Have Ophelia investigate the Currents around the area.
[X] Hit the stomach, go rescue the sacrifices stored in the cult's main facility for them and stop them from being used
[X] Meet with the Advocates.
[X] Bring in Amina's group for support.
[X] Have Ophelia investigate the Currents around the area.
[X] Go for the head, discover the mastermind behind all this and stop their plans before they can enact them on the city.
[x] Ignore them
[x] Have Ophelia investigate the Currents around the area
[X] Bring in Amina's group for support.
I like the idea of Dee being too set in her ways to engage with the Advocates. She's spent thousands of years fighting one set of malign Current beings and the Devils in the end are barely more tolerable.
[X] Ignore them
[X] Leave Amina's group out of this, they've done enough
[X] Don't call on Ophelia
I'm still not really keen on the Advocates and really don't feel Ophelia is necessary here. Maybe I'm just being contrarian, but I feel Deidre would probably feel reluctant to drag Amina's group into the deep end with her. Like I could see her being a bit selfish in wanting to separate the fun nostalgic vibes she gets from being around them from the potential brutality of her current quest that may taint that.
[x] Hit the stomach, go rescue the sacrifices stored in the cult's main facility for them and stop them from being used
[x] Meet with the Advocates
[x] Bring in Amina's group for support
[x] Don't call on Ophelia
id have voted for keeping aminas group out of it...but she made a request
Edit: I'll be extending the vote by another 12 hours.
I think I'll be closing the vote in 12 hours, though I might extend it by another 12 depending on what it looks like by that time since it's a very important vote. Some of the votes seem to be closer than others though. Differential between them if anyone is confused:
Investigation Action: 3 more in favor of going for the head instead of hitting the stomach. 5 to 2.
Advocate Decision: 5 more in favor of meeting with the advocates instead of ignoring them. 7 to 2.
Adventurer Decision: 7 more in favor of meeting with Amina's group instead of leaving them out. 8 to 1.
Ophelia Decision: 1 more in favor of having Ophelia investigate the Currents instead of saving her for later. 5 to 4.
Alright, it seem like no new votes are coming in, so I'll close it. I'll leave this post here for potential dice rolls in the next update, which should come today since I think it'll probably be shorter.
Side note for any who are curious, I now have the general idea of how this last arc will go and predict maybe... 4-5 more chapters before the end of the first volume, with the last two chapters probably being very long and important. Will post a reflection after on my thoughts so far, on my concepts for Sumeri, and what the future of the quest might be like.
[X] Go for the head, discover the mastermind behind all this and stop their plans before they can enact them on the city - 5 votes
[X] Meet with the Advocates - 7 votes
[X] Bring in Amina's group for support - 8 votes
[X] Have Ophelia investigate the Currents around the area - 5 votes
You roll your shoulders uncomfortably as you walk down the busy streets towards the address given to you only a few days before. Fatoumata forced a suit on you when you announced your intention to meet with the Advocates, and the black suit jacket and white dress shirt was a pain to get used to. She was insistent though, citing those "devil-worshipers" love for formality and appearances. The miu wanted you to make an impression on them, that is for sure.
A six-foot person cutting your figure wearing full business wear in a nation primarily consisting of humans and miu usually shorter than you and gnolls who were often hunched over isn't necessarily unheard of nowadays, but it does draw eyes. With your hair color, complexion, and general bearing, people move out of your way and stare as you stride unwaveringly forward. You suppose the time for subtlety is gone now, but you dread the loss of your beanie. Fatoumata gave you a similar looking hat to her own, with the brim's edge pointing a bit more downwards instead. All you can do is trust the miu that your hair and the hat will hide your ears from most.
Eventually, the crowd thins, and you reach a closed off area with a gate and fence blocking casual entry into the premises. Glaring up at the building behind it all, you take in the imposing building before you. Made out of some dark, grayish-black material, it looks like a cross between a manor and fortified citadel. Statues of frightening creatures and devils are built into the structure or stand on long pillars. It clashes terribly with the surrounding architecture, but that's just typical behavior for Advocates.
You wouldn't be surprised after all if they've bought or have influence on the surrounding properties around here. Their most effective strategy is creating a safe and ordered community with attractive prospects to lure businesses and regular people alike while making them more receptive to the Advocates. You don't exactly blame those who take the offer, but you've seen the effects such initiatives cause in a city and its larger community, and the results are often mixed.
A large, suited up human and gnoll wearing sunglasses stand on either side of the gate before you, intently staring ever since you walked into sight. Pausing long enough to make them uncomfortable, you sigh inwardly before stepping forward to meet them.
"Halt," the human calls out. "Please state your name and business for coming here. Only authorized personnel and individuals who have a scheduled—"
"I am Deirdre Pathstrider. I am here on behalf of the temple for our shared goal in returning peace to this city once more and on the request of one Noor Maamoun. Please notify your masters and step aside."
The guard pauses for a moment, processing that, before nodding to the gnoll next to him and walking away, tapping something on his ear as he does so. You two stare at each other in silence with neither backing down until the human comes back.
"Ms. Pathstrider, you are expected. An escort shall be here shortly to guide you to the Quaestor. You may enter and await their arrival if you wish."
As he finishes speaking, the gate opens up and the two guards step aside. Nodding towards them, you step past the pair and into the courtyard. Perfectly maintained grass and ordered lines of various flowers and shrubberies awaited you, the stifling beauty annoying you even further. Glowering at the statue of that man in the center, you take a deep breath to steady yourself along with getting used to the strain of the magical wards pressing down on you fiercely.
Of all the various people and companions you have met in your long life, you have perhaps befriended the Advocates the least amount of times out of any non-hostile entity. In many ways, their philosophy is antithetical to various ideals of exploration and adventure. They have often served as obstacles, adversaries, and outright villains hiding behind the law and their powerful institutions. The few amicable members you've befriended and traveled with were very much exceptions, and the relationship was often strained.
At best, they have been reluctant allies against greater evils such as the demons. Perhaps the greatest blow to them was the formation of the Light as a faith, as it was something they couldn't challenge outright without compromising their ideals as the religion was even a greater stabilizer of nations and people than theirs. Since then, the two faiths, philosophies, and ways of life have lived in an uneasy coexistence in society, as the Light's tolerance and the Advocate's desire for order prevent either side from calling for outright conflict.
You will admit that you haven't been blind to the very real contributions they had and currently make to society. They are often the first right behind the Light to offer aid for natural disasters, frequently push back against conflicts and wars, and take war crimes agreed upon between international bodies very seriously. Part of the reason for their continued existence is how well they've adapted to the modern era and its greater ability to enforce laws and standards on larger groups of people.
You'll never forget what they've done in the past however. Maybe the Crusades would not have been won without their involvement, but the acts of brutality they condoned that you've witnessed are etched into your mind. Individual crusaders performed their own acts of cruelty and hate, but the Advocates truly made ruthlessness an institution at their height.
One can never accuse them of inefficiency and being late though, as someone approaches you before a minute fully passes and gives a short bow. It is a small alerion wearing a modified blazer and blouse to account for her wings and a pencil skirt surprisingly, and one from Avista too.
"Hello, Ms. Pathstrider. I am Lina Corson, Ms. Maamoun's personal secretary. She is currently expecting you, so if you would please follow me…?"
You wave a hand, "Lead the way."
She gives a perfunctory nod and walks away briskly, leading you into the building without too much fuss. You wrinkle your nose at the strange scent that strikes your nose, the air freshener rendering the air almost sterile. There is much you've had to get used to over the millennia, but you're still an elf born in the wilderness of ancient Kiengir. You certainly won't rein your initial reactions in for the Advocates.
The various… workers or aides, you aren't sure what to call them, stop and stare at you for a moment, but are quickly sent back to work by the various supervisors you see standing around. It seems that Fatoumata chose right in dressing you like this. Resisting the urge to adjust your collar, you persevere in wearing these constraining clothes for a little while longer. Lina eventually stops in front of a door and knocks on the surface.
"Come in."
Lina opens the door and keeps it open for you to walk through. Nodding in thanks to the alerion, you observe the tastefully decorated office with few decorations but well-made furniture and a pristine wooden desk with perfectly organized papers on it. As the secretary closes the door behind you, you and the gnoll who approached you on your first night here eye each other warily before she gestures towards the empty chair on the other side of the desk.
"Welcome, Deirdre Pathstrider. Feel free to take a seat. Would you care for a drink of some sort? Coffee? Water? Something more alcoholic, perhaps?"
Sliding into the seat with practiced ease, you cross your hands together and set it on the table while shaking your head.
"Thank you for the hospitality, but I'd prefer to discuss what you've been wanting to see the temple for. I've come to speak for them in this discussion."
Noor nods without protest as Lina comes to stand behind her, "Very well. It's simple, really. The Advocates do not care for demonic cultists spreading their roots in a city like Nokoyo. We have always stood against their influence in Orbis ever since the days of Consul Marcus—"
"Don't. Bring. That. Man. Up," you slowly utter as you slap a hand on the desk. "I shall not argue on his... merits in your halls, but I would advise you to reconsider whether using his name in an attempt to convince me because of my history in the Crusades is the right decision here."
The gnoll looks down at your hand, then at your expression, before leaning back with a mixed expression on her face.
"...very well. I apologize if I offended you in any way. What I said still stands, however. We are deeply concerned on how much these wretched cultists have burrowed their way into Nokoyo, and wish to cooperate with the Light in ridding the city of them."
You stare back with an even expression on your face, "We understand your concerns, as all people of Orbis should have when it comes to demons. The temple has been successful in curtailing their influence however, and are getting closer to removing them entirely. While we shall not underestimate them, the situation is largely under control. I'm afraid we won't require your help."
That was a lie, somewhat. The next two operations are decapitating strikes, but both boast many difficulties and challenges that can be mitigated with more experienced and competent people working on them. You need to confirm the Advocate's resolve and motivations however, and being difficult with them is the easiest way for you to discern that.
To your surprise, Noor flinches, before taking a steadying breath and meeting your eyes, "I see. That's great news. However, it's best to always make sure when dealing with demons and their worshipers, isn't it? The Advocates have intelligence, resources, and combat and emergency support that can be given to the investigation at a moment's notice."
A little put off by how desperate the gnoll seems, you lean back and think for a moment before asking a few more probing questions, "You speak truly, yet I believe the temple will wish to verify how you obtained the knowledge you claim to have. As for your more direct support, while it would be appreciated, they will have to follow the temple's direction and guidelines…"
"We hired private investigators and did our own research. Nothing illegal or nefarious," Noor bites out, getting clearly annoyed now. "And yes, of course. The Advocates will always comply with orders and lawful conduct. We would have helped directly already if we were given authority to do so by the official investigation."
You peer at the gnoll with a gimlet eye, "How about you, Noor Maamoun? I have never known the Advocates to act with such haste, initiative, and… good will. Is this done with the allowance of your leaders?"
"I requested to be sent here after reading of the situation so I may observe and act in accordance with the Advocates' stated objectives," she says, trying to regain her poise. "I am given a bit of leeway and room to maneuver due to the nature of the issue, yes, so long as I can prove that my actions benefited Nokoyo as a whole and increased our capabilities to provide aid, stability, and order in the region."
Tilting your head, you unfurl your hands and begin to tap your fingertips together as you pretend to think. Noor tries to hide her tension, but you can clearly see the signs of agitation, irritation, and a touch of desperation in her posture. Time to see just what she is so desperate about.
"Why do you want this, Noor?" you ask, dropping her last name. "You've described what your organization wishes to investigate here. You described why it would be best for the city. Yet your actions and reasoning are not indicative of how the Advocates usually operate. You haven't even indicated a cost, a key principle in the Advocate's philosophy of the social contract and its application to many aspects in life and relationships for maintaining order…"
Breathing out her nose, the gnoll closes her eyes for a bit and slowly exhales. Behind her, you catch her secretary glaring at you with anger in her eyes. You remain unphased however as you await the Quaestor's answer. This is too important to worry if you're accidentally touching on something sensitive here.
Noor finally reopens her eyes and begins to speak slowly, "...when I joined the Advocates, I left behind my sister and parents. I… struggled when I was younger and didn't get along with my family very much. We screamed and yelled at each other when I announced my decision, and we never reconciled."
"The Advocates gave me the direction and instruction in life that I always wanted," she continues. "I finally felt like I had control and a path forward in my life after drifting for so long. With something to work towards and clear ways to advance, I forgot about my past life and connections."
The gnoll stares down at her hand, eyes blinking rapidly, "When I finally reached the rank of Quaestor, I received a call from my parents. I thought it was a prime opportunity to gloat to them of my success, and that's when I learned my sister died because of some fucking cultist!"
She stands up and slams her hands on her desk, sending papers flying as she glares at you with tears in her eyes. Her secretary lays a hand on the gnoll's back, rubbing circles on it as her superior trembles.
"I… I fucking hated that bitch. We never got along. That ditzy airheaded… I…" she trails off, swallowing a lump in her throat before continuing. "I never got to say sorry to her. I never got to show her how much I've grown, how I'm not that edgy little brat anymore. All because of some piece of shit cultist who got mad since he got kicked out of a top tier academy and decided worshiping demons was the obvious next step."
Noor glares at you, "There, are you happy now? Yes, I'm stretching the limits of the authority given to me by my new position. You want to know what my scary devil's bargain is? Fine, just give the Advocates credit for helping you on this operation. It doesn't even have to be for the entire investigation, and it's something that I think you wouldn't have prevented us from claiming anyways. You won't have to publicly support us in anything else. There, that's it. I'll deal with whatever consequences I'll face later myself."
"I just..." she deflates, plopping back down onto her chair. "I just want to utterly destroy these... these damned pieces of shit and send them all straight to the Hells."
You lean back, a bit taken aback by her outburst. Looking closer at her posture, rolling her words and tone in your mind, and staring back at her expression…
…you conclude that she is being entirely sincere and truthful with her confession. A little ashamed of how far you pushed this, you lower your head towards her.
"... it appears it is my turn to apologize for bringing up a sensitive topic. Very well. If I were to ask what you could provide in either assisting with rescuing hundreds of potential sacrifices in a guarded facility or searching for the ringleader of the entire cult in a meeting with the president, what would you say?"
Noor blinks in incomprehension for a few moments before schooling her expression into something more dignified, "The Advocates have a number of trained operatives that can assist in a rescue mission, as well as some useful technology and spells. I am trained to lead such an endeavor and am able to cooperate with whoever is leading it on the temple's side. For this hypothetical meeting with the president, we can offer a few people to be on standby. If Fatou—the investigation leader thinks it might be helpful, I can even come along personally."
Closing your eyes, you tilt your head back and think. You've already called Amina and her group and directed her to the temple to officially join the investigation. Fatoumata gave you a very unimpressed look when you told her to keep your true identity a secret from them, but you all decided it would be better if they weren't distracted by figuring you out before the operation. Now is the time to decide where you want to direct them.
Advocate Decision: Choose One:
[] Accept their aid, and direct them to help rescue the sacrifices with Noor leading her people and enforcing discipline on them
[] Accept their aid, and have them be on standby for your meeting with the president, with potentially Noor coming along personally
[] Refuse their aid. Despite your sympathy for Noor's plight, you simply don't trust the Advocates
Amina's Group Decision: Choose One:
[] Advise the investigation team that Amina's group would best be served in helping with the rescue
[] Advise the investigation team that Amina's group might be better in accompanying you and being on standby for the meeting
You may send both on the same mission for increased success. You are going to the meeting with the president with Fatoumata, so the rescue mission will have a lower chance of success without anyone besides Amin there acting as insurance against unexpected surprises.
Later, you watch as Ophelia phases back into Orbis with a weary expression on her face. Letting the fae collapse on you with her hands wrapped around your shoulders, you pat her on the back as you wait for her to recover.
"Ophy," you say gently. "Are you alright?"
She mumbles incoherently into your shoulder, shifting a bit as she struggles to perk herself back up. Finally raising her head, she directs her unnaturally large eyes towards you.
DC 18:
Ophelia's Magic Roll: 3d6: 6+1+3 = 10. (10+5(Phenomenal Magic)+1(Being of the Currents) = 16). Slight failure.
"...no." she admits, sounding genuinely apologetic. "I asked and asked all the fairies around here, but they were all useless meanies who wouldn't say anything! They ran away like cheaters when I tried to blow them up, so I had to investigate myself."
Running a comforting hand through her hair, you put aside your disappointment and say, "It's okay, Ophy. I can see you tried your best."
Grumbling for a bit, the fairy rests her head on your shoulders before saying, "It isn't much, but I definitely felt something around this area, and that it was paying attention. I had to back out before it overwhelmed me so I couldn't find out who it is exactly… but I think it's something big. Something you won't like."
A chill runs down your spine, "What do you mean?"
"It isn't a demon lord, if that's what you're wondering," Ophelia reassures you, "If something of that caliber was that close, I imagine even that mean cat from before would feel something in her cold heart. I think it's the next worst thing though. A candidate."
You suck in a breath. Ophelia is right. You definitely didn't like that. Any demon powerful enough to seriously be in consideration for ascending to a full demon lord while not being killed by their rivals… you need to stop this as soon as possible.
AN:
Dun dun dun. The end is fast approaching, and now a hint of the true opponent is finally given. 3-4 more chapters remain now, and things will be moving quickly very soon.
[X] Advocate Decision:
-[X] Accept their aid, and have them be on standby for your meeting with the president, with potentially Noor coming along personally
[X] Amina's Group Decision:
-[X] Advise the investigation team that Amina's group would best be served in helping with the rescue
Alright, it seem like no new votes are coming in, so I'll close it. I'll leave this post here for potential dice rolls in the next update, which should come today since I think it'll probably be shorter.
Side note for any who are curious, I now have the general idea of how this last arc will go and predict maybe... 4-5 more chapters before the end of the first volume, with the last two chapters probably being very long and important. Will post a reflection after on my thoughts so far, on my concepts for Sumeri, and what the future of the quest might be like.
Glad to hear you've got a roadmap worked out. It makes it a lot easier then flying by the seat of your pants when I tried writing.
As for our actions... send the Advocates to save the sacrifices with Amina's group? The temple is helping us with the decapitation strike right?
[x] Accept their aid, and direct them to help rescue the sacrifices with Noor leading her people and enforcing discipline on them
[x] Advise the investigation team that Amina's group would best be served in helping with the rescue
[X] Accept their aid, and direct them to help rescue the sacrifices with Noor leading her people and enforcing discipline on them
Since the sacrifice rescue is probably going to involve a whole lot of people and be the bigger, more complicated operation in general, I'd rather put the organization's manpower and resources there.
[X] Advise the investigation team that Amina's group might be better in accompanying you and being on standby for the meeting
I could go either way with them. But they seem more "small-scale strike team" to me, so trying to locate and take down some corrupt jerk in, I assume, more of an office-complex type setting might be right up their alley.
Glad to hear you've got a roadmap worked out. It makes it a lot easier then flying by the seat of your pants when I tried writing.
As for our actions... send the Advocates to save the sacrifices with Amina's group? The temple is helping us with the decapitation strike right?
[x] Accept their aid, and direct them to help rescue the sacrifices with Noor leading her people and enforcing discipline on them
[x] Advise the investigation team that Amina's group would best be served in helping with the rescue
Yep, the temple is sending people for both operations, but they're pretty spread out. Amin is heading the rescue operation, while Fatoumata is meeting with the President.
And I wouldn't exactly say I've got a roadmap out. More that I've had the last two chapters in mind since the beginning of the volume and I'm beginning to near it aha. I'm still very disorganized .
Edit: Should probably add I'll count both votes for accepting the aid of the Advocates as a total for actually cooperating with them, since a split vote would probably be sort of complicated.
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