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littlenahsstuff · 2 months ago

Note

hii! Can you please do Rio Vidal x fem reader? Witb the enemies to lovers plot pleaseee, maybe where y/n is also a witch and they start a fight but at the end start making out? Similar to the scene with Agatha from the 1st episode

Up to No Good

Sorry these requests are taking so long!

This is a shopkeepers AU

Warnings: Like one Major Spoiler!!! for Agatha All Along, sickness, a little bit of vomiting, Reader is going through it! Not proofread so ignore the plot holes and mistakes.

Synopsis: Rio is the annoying shop-owner next to yours. She’s constantly bothering you and making your life a living hell but you can’t deny you have feelings for her. What happens when you find out not everything is as it seems.

Word count: ~4k

There you were, standing outside, gawking at the new store next to yours. It was massive compared to your tiny shop. You almost couldn’t believe someone would have the gall to put it there, but you could see why they were confident. This new shop had everything you had and more. It was pure madness. This new witch, Rio, wasn’t someone to be messed with. She had basically set up shop overnight.

You were frantic, it was the end of her first week in Salem and you had only gotten ten customers. Sure there were window shoppers, but they quickly moved on to the next one when they saw the floating lamps and the books that turned themselves in Rios display.

It got to the point where you had to rent out your apartment while you slept in the back room of your store.

Back at your store, you were lost in thought, trying to come up with cost-effective ways of advertising and special merchandise that could draw others in. You didn’t notice the bell ring, signaling someone had entered.

“Um, hello?” You had nearly fallen off your step-ladder.

You grab the shelf to steady yourself and step down. “Oh hi there, s-sorry about that. How can I help you?” You look up and are almost knocked off your feet again at the sight of the most gorgeous woman you’ve ever seen. She had piercing eyes, rich dark hair and all around looked like a goddess.

“Well, I was just scoping the store out. Not sure I need anything though,” she smiles at you. You return it.

“Just let me know if you need help. We have anything from talismans to herbs. Everything is locally and/or humanely sourced,” you say, setting down the last of the stock. You brush off the invisible dust on your apron.

The woman hums… “Tell me more about the store,” she decides. You contemplate what you could possibly tell this gorgeous woman.

“Well, it was given to me my grandmother. It was originally just a ‘holistic’ store but now that everyone’s more accepting of witches in Salem, I changed the name. I want to make her proud, she taught me everything I know. I love my job,” you finish with a smile. She returns it. The more you look at her the more you see something sneaky in her stare. She has a mischievous glint.

“What a story. I feel like I should buy something now. Makes me want to make your grandma proud too,” she smirks, roaming around the store.

“Well you don’t have to but I’m certainly not saying no. Have a look at anything. If you’re interested in the item but are wondering if we have it in a different color we definitely do,” you chirp. You yourself make your way to the counter. You can’t help but feel giddy.

You watch as her eyes light up. You can’t see what she’s bringing up to the counter but from the looks of it it’s one of your custom sigil pendants.

“Here, I’ll take this,” she holds it out. You can definitely tell she’s flirting now, the rune she picked was a love rune and she shows it to you with a wink.

“Oh, got anyone… special, you plan to use this for? Like maybe a spouse or an estranged sibling. Any kind of love really,” you note, ringing it up. She smirks.

“Well, I’ve got my eye on someone I’ve recently met,” she purrs. You blush, not wanting to read into it just in case but flustered simply from hope.

“Oh nice” you say.

She frowns, still with a playful glint harbored in her eye. “Unfortunately,” she takes the rune, “I gotta go back to my own shop.” Your eyes widen.

“Oh you own one too? That’s cool… cool! Um, see you around?” You hate to admit how much it sounds like a plea. She gives you a nod and leaves. You could swear she’s exaggerating the sway of her hips. “Bye,” you murmur.

“Bye.”

You can’t help but watch to see in the direction she goes, thinking maybe her shop is close by. And you’re right it is, but much to your surprise, she walks right into your biggest competitors shop.

“That bitch!” You grit out.

***

It’s been another week of poor sales and you’re getting nervous. The stress, coupled with you having to sleep it in the back on the floor has been horrible on your back. There’s a resentful part of you that believes Rio came in here to mess with you. It certainly seems so with the fact she’s come in about 3 other times. You curse yourself for getting so worked up about it but you literally told her about your fucking grandmother. You were only a simple potions witch, you couldn’t magic up money like some of the other witches out there. Hell, Rio probably could. Stupid sexy Rio.

As if she could sense you were thinking of her she walks in smug.

“Howdy neighbor,” she tromps in like she fricking owns the place. Your gut boils at the fact she very well could in less than a year if you can’t figure out a way to fix this mess.

“What do you want Rio…” you say. Her eyes widen as much as her grin does.

“Thought I’d come by to check on my new best friend.” Her tone is almost sadistic. You scoff.

“Sure best friend. Just remember that when you’re in my store you can’t do anything funny,” you spit out. Her hands go up in surrender, but her face remains smug.

“Of course, I can let you be in control,” she says it low, something that makes your heart beat uncomfortably fast.

“Whatever… how’s it going with the love rune, I’m sure they’re charmed,” you exaggerate, stretching your words.

Rio puts the back of her hand to her forehead and leans backwards dramatically with a drawn out sigh.

“Alas, I don’t believe it’s achieved its purpose quite yet. It will; now’s just not a good time.” You fight the urge to role your eyes but it’s replaced by a yawn. Rio returns to her normal position and stares at you.

“Did princess not get enough beauty sleep,” she coos, pouting.

“I’m fine. I hope whatever your situation is works out so you don’t have to bore yourself with little old me.” You don’t mean it truly but boy do you need a little alone time without a failed crush gloating via very annoying body language.

“Nonsense, our little chats are entertainment to me.” She says. You grunt.

“Righttt, okay you do know I can kick you out if you don’t buy anything right?” Your brow arches. She laughs.

“Of course, I’m a shop owner too. You know that silly,” she boops your nose and you fight the rage coming over you. “Oh my god you’re cute.”

“Get out!” You growl, pointing at the door. You feel like ripping some of your hair out at this point. And Rio can tell, she’s just biting her perfect lip enjoying your frustration and it just infuriates you more. “No seriously you need to leave!” You throw your arms in the air and regret it, the twinge in your back making you wince. Rios smile falters ever so slightly.

“Didn’t mean to make you so worked up,” she chuckles. You sigh and put one hand on your back and the other pinching your nose.

“Just- I need to go get something in the back, please have left before I come back,” you (and Rio) hate how defeated you said that. Rio never feels bad for being her fun self… but, she might not feel great about this. You leave slowly to the back, cracking the door. Once Rio hears the telltale sound of a pill bottle she decides she should give you space.

When you come back out you’re a little confused at the pang you get in your chest when you don’t see her.

***

You were miserable, sick and miserable. But, the show must go on.

Time flew by in some increments and went painfully slow in another. You were debating closing the store today but your most recent electricity bill told you that isn’t a good idea.

Since it was the weekend you made a whole 20 sales, something you were extremely proud of. You were surprised too, considering you felt absolutely disgusting and maybe a little loopy. Perhaps it was the new promotion deal you worked on.

You decided to stock the merchandise that was selling the fastest, and of course once you turn your back that’s when the viper strikes.

“Hey bestie!” A voice rings out. You whip around and get dizzy, stumbling. Rio steadies you. “Woah there.”

“R-Rio?” You say.

“You don’t look so good there Y/n, maybe you should take a b-“

“No!” You interrupt, “I’m doing so well today you can’t stop me now you little devil,” you sneer. She chuckles. It’s supposed to come out threatening but your stuffy nose doesn’t exactly help you achieve that. Rio smiles.

“Well, not exactly. And I certainly understand why, you’re practically giving away free merchandise.” She says, tilting her head.

You puff out your chest with pride. “Yeah well I buy one get two for five deal will do that.” Rio pats your shoulder.

“Oh, uh, honey, your deal out front says buy one get five for two.” Your eyes widen and you scramble outside. Sure enough she’s right. After inspecting the writing it clearly wasn’t tampered. It seems that you weren’t even paying attention and you didn’t notice. You put it in the system as five for two as well.

“No no no no no!” You screech, taking down the sign. “Shit, oh my god. How did I- how did I not notice! No wonder people came up to me with so many friggan candles.” You run your hands in your hair. And go back inside, putting the closed sign up.

“Maybe you should sit down.” You agree and put your head in your hands with a groan.

“Are you here to gloat?” You ask, afraid of making eye contact.

“No… do you seriously not have anyone to help you run the store?” She asks coming closer to you. You shake your head. While you’re looking away you miss the genuine concern on her face. Without asking permission, Rio holds the back of her hand to your forehead. “You’re burning up, where do you keep your illness remedial potions? Have you even taken anything?” Her questions make you feel dizzy and you genuinely feel like you’re gonna vomit.

“Third shelf up to the right by the window,” you say drowsily. You’re too out of it to see the way Rio rushes to get it. The pain in your forehead seems to grow with each passing minute. The pain relievers for your back have stopped doing their job but you can’t remember the last time you took one regardless. She comes back. You gag as she hands it to you but you push it away and grab the trash can. Rio winces as you vomit.

“Oh shit…” she says. “Y/n as your bestie I got to say, I’m a little worried about you not taking care of yourself.” Her voice is abnormally soft. You can’t help but cry, partially due to the burning in your throat, partially due to the pent up emotions and the fact that the person making your life hell is being so nice to you.

“Why, why are you being so nice, you should be having a blast. Just my luck,” you hurl again, “Business has been really bad and on my good day I’m violently ill. It’s still objectively bad too, five months ago I’d get 20 sales before noon. And all of it’s because I fucked up.” Rio is stunned, she’s never been good with many emotions but she feels awful and knows she has to do at least something. She holds your hair back. She’s regretting this elaborate plan.

“Hey, hey. It’s gonna be okay. You’re clearly in a lot of pain right now, you don’t deserve to be mocked at all.” And her words only make you feel worse. If you think about it, she’s never been a hundred percent awful at you. You actually really really liked her up until you found out who she was. It was her business that was causing all these problems.

“I’m sorry, you should go. You- I can take care of myself,” you sigh. Everyday it looks like you’re gonna have to sell the store more and more. You’re terrified. You think that it’s all your fault that you took your grandmothers beautiful store and ruined it. You were a shit witch, and shit at your job in your opinion. Rio bit her lip and stared at you.

“No, no… tell you what. I’ll leave you alone but you have to promise me that you’ll take care of yourself. And your grandmother is so proud of you. She says so all the time.” She says and you’re mostly grateful. The pang in your chest returns again at the thought of you leaving. You realize she said something weird though.

“What, my grandmother is dead… are you also a medium which? I thought you were a green witch?” You say, picking up your head.

She looks to the side and let’s go of your hair. “Um… sure, let’s go with that. Anyways, I’ll leave you to it,” she stands up, “and take care of yourself missy.” She finishes in her usual mocking tone. She leaves out the door soon after.

Your left there confused before you see the potion. You remember you need to take it and you down it, gagging at the flavor.

“I have got to invest in flavor drops.” You say.

***

It’s been awhile since you’ve seen Rio. Her store’s also been closed for a couple of days. You should be ecstatic but you have to admit it’s been lonely without her popping in to bother you. On the bright side business was back to usual and you were making enough money to actually pay your bills again, the renters check wouldn’t come until next week but you might have enough to spring for an actual mattress.

You were honestly worried about Rio, worried you made her feel so uncomfortable she’d avoid you forever. You couldn’t sleep because of this thought and stumbled out of the back room in the dark. You managed to crash into a mop bucket and trip into one of your shelves causing it to crash and for all of your potions to shatter.

“Fuck!” You yell, you try and get to the light and manage to cut your foot.

Rio didn’t have to sleep, she stayed late at the shop looking over everything over and over. She was getting bored when she heard the crash coming from your shop. She quickly runs out the door to your shop, thinking someone broke in. She doesn’t need you having any more problem. She feels awful for the ones she caused. The door unlocks with a waive of her hand and just as she opens the door you flick on the light showing everything in its chaos.

“Uh, hi,” you awkwardly chuckle, wincing at the sting of your cut and the bruises that were already forming. “Good to see you”

Rio stands in confusion at the sight of your limping form in your tank top and lacy sleep shorts. She has to fight the urge to lick her lips.

“Are you…. Are you sleeping in your store?” She asks and you sigh, dropping the awkward smile.

“Yeah, I had to rent out my apartment on extremely short notice and now I live in the back room.” You have no clue why you’re being so honest but you really need to sit down as standing on your one foot is getting really tiring.

“Crap, you’re hurt,” she notices (originally it was because she was taking her eyes over you in your skimpy sleepwear glory) and goes over to you. She casts a spell and heals your injury. She waves her hand to get rid of the mess too and any other glass.

“Thanks.” You say. A beat of silence passes. “Why are you here?” You ask, suspicious.

“Well I thought someone was breaking and entering and I can’t have my bestie getting robbed. You roll your eyes, silently grateful she’s back.

“Alright. Um thanks. Yeah…” you trail. Now that she’s in front of you, you decide enough is enough. You have to tell her the truth. “I don’t want to put you on the spot but business has been really bad up until you closed your shop for the past few days. So- I live here now. I can manage into next month but I might have to sell the store. I guess what I’m asking is- would it be possible to get a job at your store when I do?” You felt awful about asking her for this, and you fully expect her to say no. She gives you a smile.

“I’m um, I’m actually closing the store.” She suddenly says and your eyes go wide. You stammer in protest,

“W-wait why? What about your employees!? You’re not moving away are you?” Your concern makes her smile bigger, confusing you more.

“Well… to tell you the truth I didn’t need it at all and it was interfering with my actual job.” She admits, enjoying the puzzled look on your face.

“What actual job?” She isn’t quite sure how to approach it, nevertheless, she tries.

“I’m death. I know it sounds ridiculous but I’m actually death, that’s me.” She says. A grin breaks out on her face.

“You’re joking” you start laughing and while she loves your laugh she’s not joining and you stop. “You- YOU’RE DEATH!” She waves her hands.

“Surprise! Um yeah, anyways, so funny story actually. Remember when I said your grandmother talked about you all the time. Well basically… we’re besties too,” she sees the shock on your face grow bigger and bigger. She’s about to make it worse.

“You know her, as in you took her once she died and you became best friends?” You interrogate. It doesn’t make much sense. She rolls her eyes.

“It’s not like I killed her and she’s funny. She basically talked the world of you. And she was worried about you, said you were lonely single and sad” Rio pouts briefly before her grin returns, “so she sent me. And I personally agree with her. But I’m single too so I thought I could do something about it.”

Your head is reeling, Rio is death and the only good thing about this is that your grandmother is happy (for the most part) and that the crush you’ve been trying to ignore because she’s been destroying your life reciprocates.

“Let me get this straight… you are ‘besties’ with my grandma. And you heard all about me, including the fact I’m single and you decided to run me out of my fucking house and almost my business. That’s not gonna get me to like you back and I don’t exactly think my grandmother appreciates that!” You yell, pacing back and forth. “It doesn’t fucking make sense!” You let out a huff.

Rio wants to be patient but she’s getting a wee agitated too. “Well in my defense she told me you like romcoms and I wanted to make a big impact. I wasn’t aware that I was so good at it, I hated running the store!” She crosses her arms as you still pace.

“No, no, no, no, no. You don’t get an ‘in my defense,’” you mock in a high-pitched tone, “This store was my baby. I don’t care if you didn’t like running yours and it was for a twisted sick romcom move. You saw what it was doing to me, maybe not all of it but you did. How could you honestly think I’d like you. How!?” At this point if the crash didn’t wake your neighbors then your screams did. You didn’t care, you were hurt, and so confused.

“Look I’m sorry okay! I’ve quite literally never told anyone I’m sorry for anything but I am. It was wrong of me and I let it get way out of hand. I used my magic way too much and rather than it being a cute little competition I got sucked into the feeling of one-uping you to prove I could one day help you and to show you I’m worthy. I didn’t become aware that it was that bad till I saw you when you were sick. I immediately closed the store and went to your grandmother who filled me in on all of the other horrible things I caused for you. I’m so sorry.” Rio chest heaves as she spews her words.

You stop pacing, biting the skin on your thumb. It’s a nervous tic that’s recently reared its ugly head again. Rios crying, and she hates it. She looked so much like a scolded child that you laugh. She’s confused now. You actually feel like you’re going insane but you just want one good thing so you get right up in her face and look into her eyes. She thinks you’re gonna slap her, but you grab her face and give her the angriest kiss you’ve ever given anyone. Okay and maybe you do slap her but not too hard. You just laugh at her nervous look.

“You bitch,” you say incredulously, “You really did all of this just to ask me out? You do realize I would have said yes the second you walked through that door right? Rio… I like you, I do. You can be the most annoying and conniving creature I know, but you’re charismatic and beautiful. So… since you’re so powerful, I will go out with you on several conditions. Would you like to hear them?” Rio nods her head eagerly.

“Please.” You smirk.

“Look at you, using your manners and everything,” Rio rolls her eyes, “Alright, I will go out with you if you give me everything you earned from your store. I know for a fact you don’t need it and since it wasn’t supposed to be a real store those are my profits. I want you to apologize to my grandmother too and tell her I said thank you for the gift. Secondly, I want to go on a vacation with you to wherever because I’ve wanted to for years and I deserve one. So pack your bags or this ain’t happening” you look between the two of you.

In any other situation these demands would look absolutely insane and maybe they still do but you don’t care because you were stressed and this relationship was already extremely unhealthy on both sides. She pretends to think about it but eventually smiles.

“Of course,” her devilish smirk returns, “but don’t think I don’t still have any power over you dear. I may have been naughty and will prove to you every day that I can be better but watch yourself. After all you can’t cheat death.” She winks and you sigh.

“When I get a couch and a real bed you’re sleeping on the couch,” You simply say and her smirk falters slightly.

“Touché. Oh before I forget,” she puts her hands on your hips. “Check my right pocket.” You give her a raised brow and check, immediately figuring out what it is.

“The love rune,” you hold it up, “you bitch.” It’s said fondly.

“Told you it’d work,” she whispers holding your cheek. And you scoff lightly.

“It’s my own product, I knew it would. But for the record, I knew I would love you from the second I saw your devilish smirk.” You admit. She bites her lip briefly before pulling you into another kiss.

“I’ll give you the world,” she murmurs against your lips. You laugh,

“First give me my money back… but after, all I want is you.”

#rio vidal x reader #agatha all along

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ouchlord-vivaldi · 5 months ago

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Elden Ring NPC Quests Ranked By How They Will Affect Your Credit Rating:

--------------------SPOILERS--------------------

Ranni and Goldmask, 10/10

Inheriting the world as Ranni's lord and setting the Golden Order right with the mending rune of the perfect order are very good for credit.

Boc, 9/10

Helping someone start a tailor business will help with loans, but as you are his only customer it may be a rough start to his shop.

Millicent and Igon, 6/10

Helping with such quests can be positive if it yields a net gain, but Millicent has some problematic family and Igon keeps shouting about Bayle at the bank meetings.

Alexander, Fia, and Rya, 4/10

None of these quests will really wreck your credit but they're not going to help, and hanging out with jars of guts, necrophiliacs, and snake women isn't really gonna convince people.

The Loathsome Dung Eater, 1/10

No, no no, no, don't deal with this guy, this will lower your credit rating horribly. Nobody is gonna offer a loan to anyone who hangs out with the loathsome dung eater or literally turns the world to shit.

Shabriri, 0/10

No world, no credit, no rating. No problem, but also, existence ended.

#the loathsome dung eater #fia the deathbed companion #iron fist alexander #ranni the witch #elden ring

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harpersessentials · 6 months ago

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+90 VAMPIRES & VAMPIRESSES MODS & CUSTOM CONTENT

i have been playing a new occult legacy in my gameplay blog. so i started looking for mods to enhance this occult experience. right now, i am playing with vampires, so i will share my findings with you.

SMALL MODS

vampires everywhere by kuttoe

plasma packs from plasma fruits by littlemssam

vampire powers by littlemssam

no burning sun in forgotten hollow by littlemssam

vampire self-preservation by gaymerborealis

vampire invasion fix by lotharihoe

occults activities by zer0

bloody party event by ilkavelle

vampirify spell by r3m

reworked vampires mods (vampire tweaks) by zero

vampire tweaks by airianna

crimson tea by icemunmun

advanced plasma packs by erosims

tralfaz vampire mods

GAMEPLAY MODS

vampires rebalance (harder vampires) by awwoo

vampire bloodlines by baniduhaine

super rascals (child vampire manifestation) by dipper

CAREER MODS

vampire council by lilyvalleycc

vampire rights advocate by lilyvalleycc

vampire counsellor by lilyvalleycc

darkside vampire by tlaram

ASPIRATIONS MODS

dracula untamed aspiration by ilkavelle

bloodborne aspiration by sresla

slayer & nosferatu by snowii95

SKIN DETAILS & MAKEUP

gapped vampire teeth by wyattssims

ankle biter teeth set by yooniesim

countess a vampire mini set by ladysimmer

nightfall tattoos by mynasims

real lips - vampires by amoebae

CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES

ruffled shirt by myfawnwysimblr

bite me top by lilypixels

vladislaus male clothes pack by wistful castle

rose dress by regina-raven

evelyn dress by nords

edea dress by sentate

revampire gown by tryllike

sanguine society collection by ellone

brides of the undead by zeussim

razorblade romance by myfawnwysimblr

tricker treat stuff set by ayoshi & aharris00britney

spooky kids rec by invadersims

toddler vampire suit by georgiaglm

bat and vampire costume (infants) by powluna

bat ass glasses by xldkx

spider gloves by regina-raven

punch drunk rec by pyxiidis

bat wings by nolansims

batty wings for infants by lilypixels

chilling clasps by nolansims

bat earrings & necklace by shandir

it's frickin bats tights by arowenc

bat wings boots by ctrl-sims

HAIRSTYLES

nadja hair by llazyneiph

farrah bun by dogsill

mon hair by simduction

de-chained bang long by missbunnygummy

twists long conversion by kiarazurk

vampy accessory bangs by atashi

BUY

skelly planter by nolan-sims

spooky clutter by 9sims

medieval music boxes by plumbobteasociety

my little montster nursery mobile bylittlbowbub

tiny vampire nesting blocks by tartiish

small bearcula by pixelfolk

coffin bookcase by simlaughlove

functional radiators by chippedcupanddustybooks

coffin beachtowel by bramblefinch

coffin mirror by xldkx

(not so) vampire bathroom by simswonderland

rune stone set by lumenniveus

the princess and the vampire bedroom by sixam

BUILDS

old church by alerion

chapel of ritual by xogerardine

blackmier house by septembersim

grim's house challenge by schnuck01

hemlock hollow by schnuck01

little vampires cottage by pixelshary

'til death do us part by whyeverr

quiet voices memorial by sweetbeagaming

POSES

bloody lovers by ratboy

vampire ea poses by herecirmsims

baby bats by marshmallow-sims

fangtastic poses by samssims

vampire family by culsims

bare your fangs by alpine-lapine

#akitas picks #ts4 download #ts4 mods #ts4 vampires

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indeepertidesif · 1 year ago

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Your mother was a siren, your father a human. Disconnected from the supernatural world, you grew up in sunny California with your parents teaching you how to juggle your secrets and the truth. Then, at thirteen, your mother died.

In Deeper Tides is a Disenchanted spin-off interactive fiction story that takes place on the sunny coast of California (and the oceans that surround it).

In the aftermath of losing your mother, your father encourages you to reconnect with the family she left behind. At 24, you finally take to the ocean, only to receive a chilly greeting in response.

As you struggle to get closer with your mother’s family and heritage, you get swept up in the aftermath of a whirlwind assassination plot. The leaders of your family’s pod are dead, and you’re stuck in the middle of an ages old rivalry that could tear the sea apart.

• Create your character. Customize gender (full customization, including trans MCs), pronouns, and appearance.

• Story based over stat based.

• Romance any of the eight romance options (details below, profiles coming soon).

• Decide how you cope with your family and pod, and choose which side (or none) in a centuries old rivalry.

Rune Flores, he/him or she/her, a siren. The heir of your family’s pod, whose parents were just assassinated.

Thorne Varela, he/him, a siren. A tailless siren, to be exact. The bastard son of an affluential woman, he might be an unexpected ally.

Llyr/Llyra Silvia, he/him or she/her, a siren. The young leader of the pod rivaling your family’s, incriminated in the plot to kill Rune’s parents.

Talya Silvia, she/her, a siren. The younger Silvia sibling, and by far the most dangerous of the two. She’ll protect her family at all costs.

Malak ‘Mal’ Faris, they/them, a siren. An elite guard tasked with protecting Rune in the aftermath of unrest following the assassination.

Aster/Astra Solis, he/him or she/her, a siren. The spy of the Silvia family accused of the murders and set for execution.

Yan Liang, he/him or she/her, a human. A marine biology major working down by the docks. They’ve seen more than they should’ve, and the consequences might be dire.

Haakon, he/him, an unknown. A creature from the depths of the ocean that wants to save others because he couldn’t save his family.

#indeepertidesif #interactive fiction #twine game #cyoa game

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mintharabaenrelore · 1 month ago

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Minthara Baenre Timeline

I made a version of this on my @mischievousseagull blog, but this one is more detailed- and neater, I hope!

Minthara: "Min" = lesser, second, "Thara" = glyph, marke, rune. This name leads me to speculate that she is a second child.

Baenre: First House of Menzoberranzan.

💜 She was young and impressionable when Viconia DeVir was cast out, which was before 1297, so she must have been born between 1270 and 1290 DR and named shortly after birth in Menzoberranzan (the tallest point of Qu'ellarz'orl, the Place of Nobles). According to Orin, 'Minthara murdered her way out of the room'- possibly chad-zak, as it is called in the drow tongue?

💜 She survived an assassination attempt on her as an infant (perhaps by a relative); her mother protected her by covering her body with her own. A blade almost punctured her heart, and she received a scar

💜 She grew up with her House training her to be a soldier in Lolth's service; Emma Gregory states she was 'brought up by her whole community' and that her upbringing was 'very brutal'. In banter with Lae'zel, Minthara says a child should be set upon mortal combat 'The moment it can hold a blade' and 'may even test its resilience against some common poisons while still in the womb.' These sound like references to her own childhood

💜 I originally thought Minthara's mother attempted to kill her around the 'Blooding' (a drow rite of passage), but I was watching Emma Gregory's interviews and she repeatedly stated this incident occurred around five years old and involved a sword. Minthara's mother received a scar to match the one received while protecting Minthara as an infant

💜 She receives a torture rack for her 13th birthday from her mother (drow...)

💜 Drow females have a social rite of passages around the 16th birthday (thank you, @lunastrophe!)

💜 After being trained in her House about the basics of Lolth worship, she likely joins school at Arach-Tinilith around age 40 (by 1361 DR, it was expected to enter by age 25, but Minthara was born in 1280, so she likely adhered to the first custom)

💜 Priestesses are expected to study there for 50 years, so we can assume she did so- I believe she got her tattoo of House Baenre's symbol during this time

💜 Her first lover, a High Priestess from House Vandree, who is 'beautiful, elegant, ruthless'; Minthara 'adored' her and shared her bed for some time. This relationship likely began at the infamous Arach-Tilinith graduation. As it is said Minthara was sharing her bed, we can assume she was going to her bedroom, not the other way around. As only older priestesses and instructors have single rooms, she must have been one of the two

💜 The order came that the High Priestess must die, so Minthara poisoned her and 'whispered words of comfort' as she slipped away

💜 She most likely swore her Oath to Lolth soon after the graduation, as she states she took up her Oath 'long ago'

💜 The drow rite of passage, the 'Blooding', in which one hunts down and kills an intelligent creature from the surface, often an elf (around age 80)

💜 Minthara was likely now a High Priestess as well as a paladin of Lolth. Her Oath was 'bloody vengeance' against Lolth's enemies, so we can assume she spent much of her time punishing supposed heretics. She says she has performed a thousand interrogations ('squeezing out the most guarded secrets held in heart, mind and soul'; this must be the period in which she did so; she sometimes left the Underdark to 'raid' and 'pillage', though not often. She states she is 'accustomed to leading, not following'; this, along with the retinue she originally left Menzoberranzan with, tells us a lot

💜 She states 'I have hosted gatherings of House Matrons and High Priestesses who wanted nothing more than to murder each other before the night was done. I have negotiated the handover of hostages and smiled politely while sensing a dagger at my back.' She has poisoned people at parties, most likely, as she states 'Parties are the perfect opportunity for a poisoning.'

💜 During her time in Menzoberranzan, she had 'a thousand suitors' and many lovers. She states some only desired her status, many just wanted her body, and a rare few wanted all of her. Emma Gregory states 'She's had partnerships before, but I don't think she's someone that- she's always used them for a purpose [...]'. She says she fears a romance will be 'another story written in scars'. She does not yet have a consort. She hasn't had a partner in a while, in fact, aside from maybe Orin, as the dryad says, 'And know that you made one whose heart was long quiet beat with love anew.' Partly from her behavior and also from Emma Gregory saying 'One of the most wonderful and delightful journeys for her is making friends and understanding what companionship is,' I think she was quite a loner- even less social than your average drow.

💜 She has read about Baldur's Gate in history books. In Menzoberranzan, she has in fact visited Braeryn or "the Stenchstreets"- likely as part of a Hunt there, a popular sport for nobles involving murder (obviously). She also says 'My mother visited, during one of her grand tours of the surface world. She claimed the streets were almost as varied and full of danger as those in Dutchloim. I had not believed her til now.'

💜 During her time in Menzoberranzan, she underwent many losses- friends, family, and lovers alike, taken too soon (as well as enemies)

💜 It was probably in Menzoberranzan that she started dosing herself with poison to build immunity. It is likely venom of some sort, as in a banter with Gale, he states he found an empty bottle of venom and she confirms it belongs to her and she has been using it to dose her lover (the PC) in case they visited her hometown.

💜 In Menzoberranzan, she picked off her siblings one by one. Also, she commited androcide (the systematic killing of men, boys, males in general), senicide (the killing of an elderly person), and avunculicide (the killing of one's uncle). She tells Wyll that patricide (the killing of one's father) is the first step to greatness, but as she does not list that when she describes her 'icides', I presume she has not done so... yet. She intends to commit matricide.

💜 Sometime in 1492 (most likely), a True Soul (Agent Xilvre, or True Soul 113) and 2 novices came to Menzoberranzan, sent by Ketheric Thorm, 'preaching a message of togetherness'. Minthara killed them and hung their bodies in her garden (as one does)

💜 She used a 'simple act of necromancy', presumably Speak to the Dead (but corpses don't speak to who personally killed them, so I'm uncertain how she did this) and they informed her where to strike. Moonrise Towers. Driven by curiosity and anger, she went to Moonrise with a retinue of warriors and assassins- the best House Baenre had to offer. As she referred to them as 'her men', I assume they were all male

💜 She met Ketheric at a feast, and he proposed an alliance between Moonrise and Menzoberranzan. She was 'captivated' by him, though still wary, particularly of poison. Orin, at the foot of the table, then said her name and climbed across the table, 'a dagger in each hand'. She skipped toward her, 'slicing' the throats of her men as she passed by them. Ketheric held Minthara still with a hand on her shoulder, 'the grip tight enough to crack bone'. Orin stood before her and touched a dagger to her eye, 'drawing out a tear of blood'. She then said, 'I want this one.' Ketheric nodded his permission, and Minthara was taken 'below'.

💜 Minthara was kept for days in the mind flayer colony by Orin herself, forced to watch as her men were processed as food and thralls. Two contrasting statements are made about how Minthara was tadpoled- either Orin placed a tadpole in Minthara's eye herself, or Orin held her down in a 'cocoon of flesh' and laughed at her fear as a mind flayer forced a parasite into her brain. Whatever the case, she has 'grim' memories of the place (this memory was later messed up, as during banter with Shadowheart, Minthara notes 'I am glad my memories of the infection are not so clear')

💜 After the tadpole, Minthara viewed the Absolute as less an entity and more an idea- pure love, total power. Orin was by her side, and told her the Absolute had chosen her to be a True Soul, 'blessed and adored'; she 'worshipped' Orin.

💜 Throughout all this, Minthara and Orin may or may not have had romantic relations. But remember, Minthara was under mind control and did not willingly consent to anything the two may have done. Romantic or not, Minthara 'worshipped that woman.' It is confirmed Orin physically harmed her- 'Orin... I will dissect her for laying her blade on me again'; 'I have faced Orin before and she left scars on me that will never heal.'

💜 She was chosen as a commander by Ketheric early on- perhaps this is what caused Z'rell to dislike her and ask for the privilege of killing her early on. Anyways, Minthara's words- 'Ketheric recognized me as a soldier, and took me into his army immediately. First, I fought alongside him, and then I was given a command of my own. That is where we first met.' Minthara witnessed and was awed by his invulnerability during a battle

💜 Before the Emerald Grove, there were massacres of religious communities (mostly) who refused to convert and, according to Nere, 'reckless raids'; her title as Nightwarden suggests they were at night

💜 She was likely in the cult for several months (during which many of her memories, particularly the one of her indoctrination, were altered or absent), or perhaps longer- as she says '[...] So much has happened since I left the Underdark is like a dream of somebody else's life. I... do not know myself anymore.' It is unclear what else happened during her time in the cult, but she is disturbed by the memories that return to her, the things she did, and the things that were done to her. She committed a lot of murder; she calls herself 'the Absolute's dagger', and remembers all the blood she was forced to spill. While speaking about Orin, she says 'I was like her once, when we first met and before you ever knew me. A madwoman, butchering prey in the name of a god who would discard me without a thought once I was no longer of use.' Sadly, this seems to apply to both her time in the cult and her time in Menzoberranzan. While brainwashed, she states, she 'could choose nothing' and that the Absolute and tadpole 'worked together like a drug'. She believed she was 'ecstatic to serve'.

💜 She met Kar'niss at some point. She also saw Enver Gortash at some point, as she states- upon seeing a portrait of him- 'His smile looks more genuine rendered in paint than it does in the flesh.'

💜 Minthara left Moonrise as a commander in the Absolute's army, with direct orders to locate the prism. She was 'honored' to lead a 'pack of goblins' due to the mind control.

💜 She spent time in the goblin camp alongside Dror Ragzlin and Priestess Gut (presumably, she never found out about Klagga's crush on her). There, she was mainly referred to as "the drow". She appears to have been the one who wrote the letter on the Dissected Drow's body (found in the Emerald Grove, where Nettie is). The goblins fear her, but, based off of how they speak to her during her trial at Moonrise Towers ('You scrag!' 'Bye-bye, princess...') they seem to have some level of resentment towards her. Dror Ragzlin seems to view her as a rival ('The damned drow was right... can't let her have all the glory') and is aware of her whereabouts and actions. One the other hand, he says they work together due to the Absolute and a goblin calls her 'Ragzlin's drow friend'

💜 She planned how to slaughter the Emerald Grove and what she believes are its unbelievers, and how to locate the artifact (the Astral Prism, in Shadowheart's possession by this point in time) amongst the ashes

💜 At the exact point of the Nautiloid crash, she is standing on a balcony at the goblin camp, reading a scroll, beside Dror Ragzlin; Priestess Gut is not there, for some reason (or she's just too short to see)

This brings us to when she is first encountered in Baldur's Gate III. By this point, she is 202-222 years old, making her young in drow terms.

Extra

🕷️ She likes Ulaver wine 🕷️ Minthara's Speak to the Dead dialogue (from EA) suggests she was intended to be Matron Mother of House Baenre and states she has a daughter; this dialogue no longer exists, but it's interesting to speculate whether Minthara has/had a child 🕷️ 'Alurlssrin' is an Eilistraee word, so it is strange that Minthara knows it. I think she may have had access to "heretical" texts, as when you repeatedly click on her, she makes a blasphemous joke in Drow about Lolth's laughter She dislikes wizards, thinking them 'poor conversationalists' with exceedingly short lifespans; is this perhaps connected to Gromph Baenre? 🕷️ From her dialogue, she has definitely seen both Lake Donigarten and Tier Breche 🕷️ She was unusually close to her mother, who personally nursed her and taught her to 'guard her heart' and survive 'the perils of society' 🕷️ She has 'a way with mimics' and Scratch reminds her of her first displacer beast, suggesting she has had multiple displacer beasts as pets. She views them as 'noble' 🕷️ According to her statement at Raphael's House of Hope, she has always wanted to go to Hell. (What?) Upon clicking the portal to Neverwinter in the House of Hope, she says her mother likes Neverwinter, as it is 'ripe for conquering'. In a similar vein, she says she was always told Wasterdeep is 'everything Baldur's Gate is not'. And on Luskan, she says she last heard the drow mercenary Jarlaxe was stationed there. 🕷️ In dialogue with Wyll, Minthara states 'I was taught that any man who spoke out of line, or above his lowly station, should be punished. I called that justice.' She also describes herself as both victim and monster. 🕷️ Minthara's VA Emma Gregory describes her upbringing as 'very brutal' 🕷️ Since when you originally meet her in the goblin camp she is wielding two maces, I like to theorize she is ambidexterous 🕷️ Minthara is an oddity in Menzoberranzan- monogamous, believes in working off debts, close to her mother, etc. 🕷️ She has a Spider's Lyre, and as there is audio of her humming while drunk, I believe she can sing 🕷️ Minthara gardens- not only does she mention her garden, but there is an idle animation of her tending her mushrooms 🕷️ Minthara has 'elegant' handwriting 🕷️ Minthara has survived an impressive amount of assassination attempts; her life has been spent expecting a knife at her back. She states 'A night without an assassin is a dull night indeed' in conversation with Astarion 🕷️ She thinks the Society of Brilliance's peaceful endeavors are amusing 🕷️ She dislikes House DeVir, thinking them cowardly 🕷️ She has a scar on her forehead and throat 🕷️ She does not like water 🕷️ She says her mother likes competition. She also says her name belongs to her mother.

🕷️ Minthara once saw a ship docked at Moonrise Towers

🕷️ Minthara was a childhood champion of Jin-Kente- a drow game involving guts

🕷️ Minthara had a chest with a false bottom in which to hide poisons at some point

This note, "Attracting Drow Exiles", can be found in Ketheric's room and gives us more information on how Minthara was "reruited". “Sweeping up individual drow renegades is not giving us the cadre of Lolth-trained veterans I want for our staff and officer corps; we must be more ambitious. Agent Xilvre, True Soul 113, will be commanded to infiltrate Menzoberranzan itself, ideally House Baenre, ostensibly to proselytise on the behalf of the divine Absolute. I think Xilvre will be convincing in this role.

This intrusion will excite outrage among the Baenre matrons, who can be counted upon to send a warband to exterminate whoever was so rash as to promote anti-Lolth apostasy in their home. Xilvre will have left a clear trail back here to Moonrise Towers, where the warband will find, not a circle of ragtag heretics, but an army in the making. I will parley with the drow leader, but as we negotiate her warband will be ambushed, and every drow warrior we capture will be tadpoled. This accomplished, the warband leader will meet the same fate, and thus we shall acquire our cadre of hardened Underdark warriors. And all it will cost us is the life of loyal Agent Xilvre, but he is, truth be told, a tedious enthusiast and I will not miss him.”

What events did she potentially witness in Menzoberranzan? *assuming she was born in 1290 DR

• The attack on House Do’Urden by House Hun’ett in 1337 DR • The destruction of House Do’Urden by her own House Baenre in the Year of the Weeping Moon, 1339 DR • The attempt to become First House of Menzoberranzan by House Oblodra in 1359 • The march on Mithral Hall in 1358 DR • The victory against Blingdenstone in 1371 DR • The Silence of Lolth in 1372 DR • An invasion on Uktar 15, 1372 DR • The Scoured Legion’s exit on Ches 30, 1373 DR • Quenthel Baenre killing Triel, taking her place as the leader of the House in 1383 DR

What was her home like?

The Baenre Compound:

“House Baenre occupied the highest tier, a ledge called Qu'ellarz'orl, in the main cavern of Menzoberranzan. It was made up of twenty stalagmites and thirty stalactites. A central stalagmite, called the Great Mound, housed the Baenre nobles and the house chapel. There was a balcony surrounding the Great Mound where stalagmites and stalactites met.

The compound was roughly oval in shape, three-eighths of a mile long and a quarter mile wide, and surrounded by a magnificent and magical fence, appearing as a silvery spider's web around the general blue hues of the Baenre compound. This fence stood 20 feet high and acted as the house's main defense; anything touching the fence would become stuck fast until the Matron Mother willed it released. It was impossible to pass through the enchanted fence without the aid of the spider mask, a magical item in the possession of Gromph, the Archmage of Menzoberranzan—assuming, of course, that one was able to avoid the guards posted around the fence. The house chapel was a domed shape and featured an illusion created by Gromph that switched from spider to drow female. This statue was based on Gromph's lover, Sosdrielle Vandree, but it once took on the appearance of Liriel Baenre as sign of Lolth's favor. The matron mother's throne was formed of an enormous adamantine spider. It was magical and contained a symbol repelling any attack.” - The Forgotten Realms wiki Menzoberranzan as a whole is too complex for me to describe here, but R.A. Salvatore’s books and the Forgotten Realms wiki are excellent sources.

Who might she have known?

She canonically knows of Drizzt Do’Urden. She may have known Liriel Baenre (who left the city in 1361 DR), Maignith Baenre, (captain of the Baenre house guard who was killed around 1373 DR), Myrineyl Baenre (Quenthel’s eldest daughter), Quenthel Baenre, Gromph Baenre, Sos’Umptu Baenre, and many others.

What was her time at Arach-Tinilith like?

• Most new priestesses (novices) must share rooms with one or two others until the fifth year, although as Liriel Baenre was able to secure her own room, perhaps Minthara could. Novices wore black robes with red trim. • Each day ended in the chapel- praying and praising Lolth. • Priestesses received training in weapons combat from the elder students of Melee-Magthere. • All female drow noblewomen go to Arach-Tinilith after being trained by their Houses in the basic worship of Lolth. They were to spend 50 years studying there. By 1361 DR, priestesses were expected to enter by age 25, but prior to that it occurred around age 40; if Minthara was born around 1280, she probably adhered to the first custom. • It is a crime for males to enter unsummoned. • Priestesses provided religious instruction to other students.

What was her status like?

Being a member of the first and most powerful House in Menzoberranzan, she was automatically one of the highest-ranking nobles in the city, but her status within House Baenre is less obvious. Considering she was a paladin, probably a priestess or High Priestess, and had enough power to be entrusted with drow troops and leadership, she must have ranked high in drow society. That is, of course, before the Absolute fiasco. Now, she is an “exile”, who is (probably) marked for death and would be killed on sight, or tortured, ritually killed, or changed into a drider. There it is! Please enjoy and ask whatever questions you'd like!

#--Minthara Baenre Lore 🕸️🕷️💜--#Minthara Baenre #House Baenre #Minthara #Minthy #BG3 #Baldur's Gate III #Drow #DnD #Lore

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prokopetz · 11 months ago

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This seems like something you would know. I have a deep and abiding love of d12s. Do you know of any tabletop games where they get a lot of use?

(For the purpose of this request I'm going to assume you mean systems which actually do something interesting with d12s, and I encourage anyone who chimes in via the notes to do the same – i.e., no "Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition counts because greataxes have a d12 damage die" nonsense, please!)

Off the top of my head, S John Ross' Pokéthulhu uses d12 dice pools – one of the very few titles I'm aware of that does so. I've actually ripped off borrowed the way it does conflict resolution for several of my own projects. It's a more solid piece of work than the subject matter might suggest, too; it has one of the more functional one-on-one monster battling systems I've encountered.

On a more serious note, there's also The One Ring, a tabletop adaptation of The Lord of the Rings whose conflict resolution involves rolling a d12 together with a variable number of d6s to generate a total. The 11 and 12 on the d12 produce special results, as do certain specific numbers on the d6s; the game really wants you to buy a custom dice set with goofy little runes in place of the special numbers, but it's perfectly playable with standard dice. Of course, if you're a big fan of d12s, you may want the custom d12 just to have it.

#gaming #tabletop roleplaying #tabletop rpgs #tabletop rpg recommendations #violence mention

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felassan · 3 months ago

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New BioWare Blog post:

"Journal #6 Lethality and Levelling An inside look into Rook’s Warrior combat Hello everyone, Since our summer reveal in June, we’ve been reading all the great excitement for the game and listening closely to what you’d like to see next. Our reveal trailer showed off the prologue and very beginning of the game, and now we want to shift our focus to higher level combat. Today, we’re going to cover our game’s combat system, looking at how Rook and Companions can be built up to meet the perils facing Thedas, using deep RPG systems. This starts with choosing a desired class as there are three main classes to select from when creating Rook: stalwart Warrior, deft Rogue, or spell-slinging Mage. This blog and accompanying videos will focus on the Warrior class, and we’ll have more to share on the other classes before launch."

"PREPARE FOR BATTLE By choosing Warrior, the fighting style revolves around close range combat and defense. Skills, Traits, Runes, and Abilities are customizable to best suit that type of playstyle. The loadout will have slots for Abilities, accessed from the Ability Wheel. Picking which Abilities from the many in the arsenal to bring into battle is a strategic choice made for each encounter, and they can be swapped out anytime, except during combat. For some added depth, there are up to three equipable Runes. Runes provide a variety of control, utility, or additional damage to synergize with your build. While in combat, all three Runes can be cycled through and activated. There are a wide range of potential Abilities that are unique to each Class and can be customized by spending Skill Points. For example, the Warrior class will have certain abilities that deal fire damage. Players can plan their build around this, and each skill point spent could be in pursuit of this build. Each step taken is designed to augment Rook and/or Abilities. Eventually, Rook will gain access to Specializations, which grant powerful Abilities, unique to each Specialization. These Specializations will also provide a unique Ultimate Ability (more on that later below) tuned to the theme of that Specialization, so a Warrior specializing as a Grey Warden Champion will gain access to the devastating incendiary Warden’s Fire that launches a flurry of searing strikes that ignite foes like tinder. This is the best Specialization Area for defeating darkspawn, an enemy that many Dragon Age fans know well. Check out all the Specialization Areas below (minor gameplay spoilers) and we’ll have a separate spotlight on progression later as well."

"Warrior Rook Specialization Areas: Reaper - Become night's blade. Steal life and risk death to gain incredible, unnatural abilities Slayer - Leap into the fray. Wield massive, punishing weapons while rushing enemies to deal devastating blows. Champion - Be the shield. Shrug off damage while summoning righteous fire down on enemies. Rogue Rook Specialization Areas: Duelist - Draw your steel. Parry and dodge past enemies to gain strength with every strike. Saboteur - Set the stage. Deploy explosives and turrets that devastate enemies, then pick them off with arrows. Veil Ranger - Hunt the enemy. Snipe enemies from afar using artifacts that charge arrows with dangerous, powerful magic. Mage Rook Specialization Areas: Death Caller - Embrace the dark. Drain life from enemies and cast spells that writhe with the essence of death itself Evoker - Call the void. Freeze enemies in their tracks, then summon the deepest cold to tear them apart. Spellblade - Be the storm. Channel potent spells for close-quarters combat infused with lightning's wrath."

COMBAT BASICS Now let’s talk about the foundations of the combat system. The four core moves that all three classes share include jump, dodge, light attack, and heavy attack, which can all be chained together. Rook can dodge at any time, even mid-attack, which adds fluidity to the combat. Is taking damage or dealing it better at that moment? Light attacks do quick damage and build small amounts of stagger; heavier attacks are slower and build more stagger to your opponent. Once enough stagger is built, the enemy will be rendered more vulnerable to all incoming damage and allows Rook to perform a takedown. Each of these attacks (light and heavy) can be charged by holding down the button to deliver a more potent version of the strike. For example, a heavy attack can be charged while using a staff to unleash a magical wave of destructive energy. Attacks can also be triggered while sprinting and/or jumping to add depth and fluidity to combat. In addition, each class has ranged attacks, blocks (or parries, if timed properly with the right weapon set), and the ability to control Companions’ combat strategy. Each Class also has two distinct weapon sets, which can be swapped seamlessly in the heat of battle. This drastically changes the available move-sets and strategies. Heavy attacks remove Armor Barrier (denoted by a yellow bar) faster, and ranged attacks remove Shield Barrier (denoted by a blue bar) faster. There is also the Stagger meter (denoted by a lavender bar) which builds as hits are landed against an enemy. Stagger creates opportunities for bonus damage and special Takedowns. The Ability Wheel pauses the fight for more precise control over Rook’s own abilities and those of their Companions, and where those tactical RPG elements come into play. Players can use the Ability Wheel to assign Companions to attack specific enemies, individually or together. Abilities can also be bound shortcut keys to keep the action flow going, instead of always bringing up the Ability Wheel. Vulnerabilities and resistances of enemies can also be seen while targeting enemies in the Ability Wheel. For example, Darkspawn are weak to fire damage."

"BUFFS, DEBUFFS & CROWD CONTROL Some Abilities apply buffs or debuffs to help you in the fight. For example, Davrin has the Heroic Strike Ability which applies the Overwhelmed debuff to enemies. This will increase the enemies’ Stagger and make it easier for Rook to perform a Takedown. There are also Area of Effect Abilities to help the party defeat large groups of enemies. Controlling the field of battle is a key consideration in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Players will need to consider which buffs/debuffs or crowd control Abilities will work best for each situation. Abilities require Class Resources (Mana, Momentum & Rage) to be able to use. Each class primarily builds up their Class Resource by dealing damage with basic attacks. In addition, each class has a secondary way to build their Class Resource - Warriors build Rage by taking and dealing damage, Rogues build Momentum by dodging attacks and parrying successfully, and Mages regain Mana passively over time. Warriors who go into battle with a sword-and-shield build, will have access to the Shield Throw Volley. By landing a Heavy Attack on a Shield Throw return, the shield will ricochet, taking out multiple enemies. This sequence can repeat up to three times, causing a devastating ring of damage around Rook. This attack works well against swarms as well as distant adversaries. Other ways to manage distant enemies lean into Companion abilities, such as Davrin’s Death from Above to send Assan, his griffon, to attack enemies. Warriors also have the Grappling Spear Ability to pull enemies close for an easier victory. With these tools, attacks can be chosen based on the type of enemy and the situation to dispatch foes in the most optimal way, especially on higher difficulties."

"PRIMERS, DETONATORS & ULTIMATES Many Abilities include some type of coordinating effect and serve as either a Primer or a Detonator that can result in devastating combo attacks when properly executed with the Companions. These Ability combos can be set up in the Ability Wheel. Finally, you have your most powerful attack: Rook’s Class Ultimate Ability. Doing damage to enemies increases your Ultimate Meter. The Ultimate Meter won’t fully fill during smaller skirmishes, because they are designed to decimate a significant swath of the battlefield or the toughest bosses. All of these options combine together to create a rich combat experience that is highly customizable. The entire Skill Tree is also fully refundable, and Skill Points can be redistributed. We encourage you to try out multiple builds, use different Abilities for each mission, and change up the Companions you bring into battle. These videos have highlighted several of the ways that players can achieve strategic combat in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. We’ve put them all together in case you wanted to see them back-to-back. Check out the full video below! there’s a lot to explore in the game and a lot more to talk about. We’ll have more to share on the Rogue and Mage before launch, as well. Next week, we look forward to companions week, along with another Discord Q&A planned for August 30th where we can answer more of your questions about the game. Chat soon! — The Dragon Age Community Team"

[source] <- video links at link

#dragon age: the veilguard #dragon age: dreadwolf #dragon age the veilguard spoilers #dragon age 4 #the dread wolf rises #da4 #dragon age #bioware #video games #long post #longpost

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ranchstoryblog · 3 months ago

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PRESS RELEASE: Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma’s Bold Reimagining of a Beloved Franchise is Revealed During Nintendo Direct

Marvelous USA Announces Spring 2025 Release Window for Fresh Take on Fan-Favorite Action RPG/Life-simulation Franchise; PAX West Presence Confirmed

TORRANCE, Calif. — Aug. 27, 2024 — Marvelous USA today revealed Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma for the Nintendo Switch™ system and Windows PC via Steam, debuting the first official trailer on today’s Nintendo Direct livestream and announcing a Spring 2025 release window. This next-level offering is the latest entry in the popular action-RPG and life-simulation series, and introduces players to the lands of the east for the first time in franchise history with Japanese-inspired visuals and new twists on familiar themes and gameplay elements. Attendees at PAX West, taking place Aug. 30-Sept. 2, will be able to participate in a Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma booth activity showcasing Earth Dancer abilities and have the chance to earn exclusive, themed merchandise in the Marvelous USA booth, #809.

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Ravaged by the effects of the Celestial Collapse and the cessation of power provided by the runes, the eastern lands of Azuma are a shadow of their prosperous past. Weakened by corruptive forces, the gods of nature retreated from the world, leaving mountains to crumble and fields to wither. The people of Azuma seek aid against a blight that has swept these once-bountiful lands. One young hero enters into a contract with a dragon and sets out on a journey. “Accept the might of the Earth Dancer. Use this power to save the land.”

Guardians of Azuma takes players on an all-new adventure in the never-before-seen country of Azuma. Here, players will assume the role of an Earth Dancer destined to return hope—and life—to the once-thriving land. Choose from one of two protagonists whose fates are closely tied together, and experience reimagined and expanded Rune Factory gameplay; as Earth Dancer, players will farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talisman. Azuma is a vast world to explore with majestic villages to uncover, each taking inspiration from Japanese culture and each with a seasonal theme. In addition to exploration, combat, and village-building, players will also cultivate relationships with the locals, recruiting them to your side in battle or to help manage the villages. Wield sacred treasures of the gods and the Earth Dancer’s power of dance to purify the land and return Azuma to its former glory. The adventure of a new world awaits.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Key Features:

Bold New Abilities and Weapons: As an Earth Dancer, use the power of dance, sacred treasures, and fresh weapons like the Bow and Talisman to purify the land, farm, and undo the Blight’s damage.

It Takes a Village: Don’t just mind the farm—rebuild entire villages! Construct and place buildings strategically to entice people to return to the villages and contribute. Revive the gods to bring vitality and valuable resources back to the plagued lands.

Your Fantasy Japanese Life: Experience beautiful Japanese-inspired character designs and aesthetics—from festivals to events to monsters. Explore Azuma’s natural landscapes and its seasonal-themed locales steeped in tradition.

Classic Romance and Relationships: Choose between male and female protagonists, then befriend or romance any of the eligible candidates—god and mortal alike—in fully voiced scenarios. Recruit these new friends to aid in dynamic battles, too!

Pre-orders for the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma “Earth Dancer Edition” will be available soon via the Marvelous USA store and at participating retailers for an MSRP of $99.99. This stunning collection comes in a custom outer box featuring awe-inspiring art of a battle high above Azuma, and includes a physical copy of the game, an original soundtrack CD, an art book, an Azuma-inspired folding fan, the “Seasons of Love” DLC bundle, additional DLC costumes for your protagonists and their divine sidekick Woolby, and a plush Woolby keychain. The standard edition of the game will also be available to pre-order for an MSRP of $59.99. Details on digital editions and pricing will be announced later.

Developed by Marvelous and published in the Americas by Marvelous USA, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch™ and Windows PC via Steam in Spring 2025. The title will be published in Japan by Marvelous Inc. and in Europe by Marvelous Europe. More information can be found on the official website, https://na.runefactory.com/azuma/, and on X @RuneFactory. This title has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Information about Marvelous USA’s products can be found at www.marvelous-usa.com. Fans can also check out the latest videos from the Marvelous family of titles on YouTube and get updates by following on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads.

#story of seasons #rune factory #Guardians of Azuma #Youtube #press release #project dragon

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thechosenone-if · 1 year ago

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DEMO

Last updated: 21 June 2022. Wordcount: 24k words (average playthrough of 17k word)

Rating: 16+ (mentions of mental illness, violence, blood, sexual themes, strong language, transphobia, chronic pain)

The Chosen One is a text-based fantasy epic story where, as it often happens, you are the one chosen by the Prophecy, destined to fight in the Last War under the King. Unlike your average tale, though, you most certainly know to be the Chosen One and you have spent all your life waiting for your King's call.

You will NOT be the victim of events out of your control, nor you'll be an unwilling participant. You are not an orphan, and your family will not be slaughtered in order for you to unravel your true purpose in this world.

Oh, no. Absolutely not.

Instead, you are prepared and in control. You are powerful, more powerful than any other being that ever walked through this land, and you are ready to fulfil your destiny.

When the story begins, you are in the North, waiting. And when the call finally, finally, happens, you have to set off for the South with your Mentor, as specified in the prophecy. The Last Journey has begun.

Every interaction counts, remember that. But remember also that you are the Chosen One: you can do what you want, you have the power to forge whatever future you want for the Regions and for yourself.

LOVE INTEREST

RASCIA | The Forgotten One Healer (gender selectable M/NB/F): the colour of their skin, as well as the arcane language that litters it, marks them as kaehan, a native of the very kingdom you are prophesised to fight against. But destiny works in strange ways and maybe, after all, they were the one you needed all along. You will have to travel far before you meet them, though, and you will have to fight and to lose more that you ever thought you could shed. Because before you rise, you have to fall.

Rascia is a tall (1.79 m/5'11") person, with wavy waist length sapphire hair, a coral complexion and bright sea blue eyes. Their lean body is almost totally covered by religious silver tattoos, now rendered useless by their condition. As a result of their loss of faith, Rascia is completely colorblind.

OTHER CHARACTERS

The Mentor: they, as you, are part of the Prophecy, chosen to accompany you in the Last Journey. Your bond is... strained. You only want to be looked at with some sort of pride but all you seem to find in their eyes lately is doubt.

ASHEN | The Hero: you'll soon meet them. Remember this, though: keep your jealousy at bay before it starts consuming you.

The King: not much to say to that. They are the king of the land, you never obviously met them and their true intentions remain unknown.

FEATURES

customize your MC's name, physical appearance, gender (M, F or NB, cisgender or transgender) and preferred magic (elemental magic, enchantments, illusion magic).

play as a semi set character, with a sharp tongue and a very strong personality, but with a soft spot for plants and kind healers

choose the rune that's engraved in your skin, and choose carefully because every Region will react accordingly.

build or destroy relationships with the cast, and find, in the midst of the Last War, the only one you can truly be yourself with.

The story will be released on Itch.io chapter by chapter (with a not so accurately estimated total of 9 total chapters) and will be completely free form start to finish.

#interactive fiction #twine game #demo #intro post

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mintmatcha · 5 months ago

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a meet cute

cw: cisfem reader, reader is part gnome, dungeon meshi universe, it's about an insane side character, sorry

A gentle breeze cuts across the shop, just over the front counter. You have to lean into it to get any sort of relief from this summer's heat. Your shop door's bell chimes as a customer walks in. It's unusual that anyone is out this time of day in this type of heat, let someone fully robed, scarf and hat included. He's dressed in dark, rich colors, the types of dye that drip with indigo and money, a contrast to the reddish tuft of hair of his head.

He'd be cute, you think, if he wasn't a gnome.

It's not that you don't like gnomes-- you are one, mostly-- but gnomes around your age are boring. The men nod along to anything you say, try to impress you with pleasantries and tidbits, all with that glint in their eye, they've found their next wife. They are dictated by societal niceities and traditions, topped off with a strange sense of superiority, all while they still eye you like a piece of meat-

But this gnome isn't looking at you like that. No, he's marveling at your wears.

The stranger tilts the glass in the sunlight and rainbows refract across the floor, dancing in looping, wonderful patterns long after his movement has stopped. Figures of dancers twirling around each other, bowing and dipping with ease, disappate into the air. His hands are actually a bit small for a gnome, thin fingers, uncalloused and delicate with the way he inspects the magic.

"The runes on this are subtle," he notes, mostly to himself. "Gnome magic on elven crystal."

"You have good taste." You lean more forward on to the oak surface and he jumps a bit, as if he hadn't noticed you were even there. "And a keen eye."

The man melts into a polite smile. His eyes are downturned and his cheeks are round, tickled pink from the sun. He approaches you, a prickle of chill following suit. There must be some elemental magic sown into his clothing or something.

"Thank you."

"No, thank you," you say. "It's my work."

"You have a talented hand for magic, then."

"And you have a talented eye."

His nose wiggles in that delightfully gnomish way that only old men do. "No talent, all practice."

You give him your name, he gives you his. Holm. Classic. Boring. Standard.

"Is this a gift for your wife?"

"Oh, I'm not--" He waves that thought away with disinterest-- which happens to peak yours. "My party mate is getting married."

"An elf?"

"Dwarf, actually." He twirls to glass again and the waltz of light resumes. "To be honest, we aren't very close. I don't really know what she likes, I just think she deserves something nice."

"The effect won't be as brilliant for her, because dwarfs don't tend to have a very good mana flow, but it'll still be pretty. A couple glasses for her and her beau-" You wipe away a bead of sweat that's begun to roll down the side of your neck. "And maybe a bottle of chilled wine. I think that's a very good present for anyone."

He nods, button nose crinkled with delight as he places the glasswork on the table before you. "I'll get a sex then."

A beat passes. You can't help the wild smile that sneaks out. "What was that?"

"Hm?" He hasn't moved, frozen in place, still holding the glass. His expression doesn't change, but you swear there's a touch of pink creeping over his ears.

"You said a sex."

"No, I said a /set./"

"No, you didn't." You cock your head to the side in the way that makes your neck look long and your smile charming. "Are you thinking about sex, Mr Holm?"

He swallows and you think maybe you've gone too far. Your brand of needling is more of a half foot type of humor, which isn't universally appreciated, to say the least.

"I'm- I don't--" Holm surprises you by laughing at him self. "I don't do that."

Interesting. A gnome with a sense of humor. You didn't know those existed. You lean back, trying to bite back your smile as you speak. "What? Think about sex?"

"Or anything else to do with that word."

You inspect him a bit closer. The colors, the hat, the symbol burnt into his pouch-- they're religious symbols. He's a spirit worshipper, one of the religions in the south. You aren't sure of all of the intricacies, but you know the most devout are completely celibate.

Holm shrugs rather casually. "Close enough."

"Oh, you're one of those monk-things, aren't you?" For some reason, you're a bit disappointed. Of course the man you have a nice rapport with is one that won't fuck you.

Not that you want to fuck him.

"So, you must think about sex a lot." You call as you walk to your backroom. There's a couple of different versions of the glasses, so it takes you a moment to find another set of dancers. Really, this guy has nice taste; this is your favorite piece. "Since you can't have any."

"Probably less than you do-" he calls back. "Since you heard is when I clearly said set."

Despite yourself, you laugh. It's not particularly funny, but there's butterflies in your chest and a tremble in your hands. You wrap the glasses in pieces of cloth and ribbon-- purple, to match his scarf-- before bringing them back up. The stranger is still watching you with that look on his face, the crinkle in his eye-

"It's on the house," You slide the gift wrapped presents over to him.

"I couldn't possibly."

"Just come back again some time. Or buy me a beer if you see me at the bar."

You both know that isn't a fair trade. Crystal is expensive, magic work even more so; you could charge him a couple hundred gold if you wanted, but... conversation is sometimes more valuable than money.

"I don't drink." He rubs the back of his neck, almost sheepish. "I eat, though."

The flutter in your chest gets worse. "Food then."

He nods. Taking the gift, he picks it up and starts towards the door, a hum on his voice and a deeper smile creeping up on his face. When he gets to the door, he puts up an arm to open it, then pauses.

He turns back around.

"I want to pay." The strange says, firmly. "I'll still buy you food, but I want to pay for these."

He pulls a bag of coins from his belt and presses them into your hand. It's heavy with gold. He doesn't pull away until you meet his dark, stern eyes and close your hand around the bag.

"I don't want to lead you on," he says, softly. "I find you very..."

He says more with silence than his words.

"Don't worry," you say, even though a worry does creep up your spine. "I'm not so desperate that I'll fall in love with a priest."

"Not a priest, but thank you." His cheeks puff with smile and you immediately know that you may have lied.

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lizardcatcreations · 1 year ago

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Infernal Firestorm

a prototype set and d20 for my contribution to the Caliya's Chronicle of Runes Kickstarter hosted by Spectre Creations, which launches June 20th!

we're still tweaking the design a bit (which is the same as my OG Firestorm design) to make the orange a bit more red, but i'm so happy with how these initial attempts turned out! the top backer tiers will have the option to add either a full set or just a d20 if you're wanting to get your hands on this custom Infernal font. and not to worry--there will be a number key included with the dice for the backers who order them!

although at this point i've spent so much time with these dice that i'm able to read the numbers, so i promise it's doable.

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asklesbianonceler · 5 months ago

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I'd like to pose some theories and observations about The Night of Black Knives

There's something extremely specific about the black knives and it's that they cannot be seen while wearing their cloaks unless illuminated by the Sentry's Torch, an item that was not held in the lands between until after Godwyn's death, and yet, here it is. Not just an average wooden torch, a custom torch, in the hand of a black knife, specifically illuminating her face. She is showing her face to Godwyn so he knows who killed him. She wants him to see her, a woman with long blonde hair.

It was no mistake it was Godwyn and he was not just the best choice. It was personal.

What else do we know of the black knives? They had close ties to Marika herself and were all Numen just like her.

We now know Godwyn was not her first son and his death was merely a means to an end. Would she be able to sacrifice a child forced upon her by the golden order? A child who in the eyes of the order was perfect? I think so. If it gave her a good enough excuse to shatter the Elden Ring which she was still punished for.

Maliketh's great rune says Marika only needed him to seal away destined death, yet she betrayed him. Who else would have been able to get close to him?

Ranni and Marika wanted the same thing. It was all set up. There is a reason Ranni cradles Marikas head in the age of stars ending before putting it back on Marikas body.

Marikas body also vanishes in Rannis. It isn't being taken over by the Elden ring again. Ranni sets her free. she didn't have to put the head back on.

Yes, I can tie Melina into all this. Just ask.

#me and my wife cracked it all wide open #elden ring lore #elden ring #elden ring spoilers #night of black knives #queen marika #marika the eternal #lunar princess ranni #ranni the witch #maliketh the black blade #godwyn the golden

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flowerbetweenfangs · 6 months ago

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Cream Filling: Chapter Four

CW: There is discussion of an abusive relationship. The MC also remembers the lovebombing stage. Nothing is on screen, so to speak.

This is part of an ongoing series. You can read the previous part here!

Thick sheets of snow covered the streets, the grey sky plunging the world outside into early darkness. Streetlights flicked on, bathing everything in amber light. Despite the lack of sunlight, the sidewalks and strip were empty.

“Full moon,” Horac commented. “Everyone who’s got half a brain is already at home.”

“Magic rituals, werewolves running around, and everyone who needs it is charging their charms.” Wrecks shrugged, before yawning.

“All the wildlife around my home is being so noisy right now. I barely got any sleep last night.” He rubbed his main eyes.

Elle went to touch her protective charm, but only felt the spider. Right. She’d left stone at home, right on the windowsill so the rays of the moon would charge it with protective magic. Her neck felt naked without it.

A blast of cold air hit her. Shivering, she rubbed her arms as a man in a large coat shuffled in, clutching papers. His face was wound in scarves, hiding his face. Without a word, he came to the front counter and set the pile down, without looking at Elle. His fingerless gloves showed his nails were thick and opaque, slightly longer than normal, and tapering to a point.

His hand rested on the counter, and the papers shuffled again.

Looking down, Elle realized it was a job application he was presenting to her. Before she could ask him any questions, he shuffled away, pulling his patchy coat tighter around himself went to the door, holding it open as a gaggle of goblins came in.

Quickly, she snatched up the application and put it into a manilla envelope along with the rest. Runes appeared on the tab at the top, before the papers vanished in a puff of smoke.

“Welcome to Ramses!” She called out, having to lean over the counter to look the new customers in the eye. They were a small group of regulars, and she gave them her best smile.

Once the café closed, Elle tried to not lament the small pile of tips on the counter. At least with her favor, it meant that the debts she’s acquired would be a lot less cumbersome in the next couple of weeks. Still, she felt a pang of anxiety as she picked up the bills and stuffed them into her wallet.

“Attention residents.” A voice crackled over an old ham radio, the dials twisting to try and get a signal. Elle jumped, putting a hand over her chest as her heart hammered.

“Moonrise is in three hours!” The voice continued, followed by feedback. Wrecks yelled, covering his ears and scuttling to the kitchen.

“We advise all non-magical residents to please be indoors before then.” The crackling lessened. “All those afflicted with lycanthropy please proceed to safe areas. Those who plan on performing rituals, please refrain from doing so unless you are being supervised by a professional…”

As more warnings and advisories warbled on, Elle rubbed her ears.

“You alright, Rookie?” Horac asked, going to the radio and attempting to adjust the volume, before yelping as a bolt of magic hit his fingers. Waving his hand, he sucked on his finger and glowered at the machine.

“Does it do that every full moon?” She winced, hoping it would stop soon.

“Yeah. But we’re normally out by then.” Horac shrugged, then looked at the empty café. “But we have to have one for safety standards.”

Sighing, Elle went to the back and clocked out.

Wrecks parted with a polite farewell, before scampering up the side of the café. Silky strands quickly froze as he spun, but that seemed to be the goal because the drider was using them as a bridge.

Hopefully, this one wouldn’t be burnt down.

Going to her car, Elle shivered. Snow was starting to come down heavy again, clinging to her clothes and hair. The old clunker was already covered in a foot of snow. She unlocked the door and pulled, having to yank harder than normal to free it from the ice.

After scraping off her windows, she sat in the driver’s seat. Her breath was foggy. Taking the key, she stuck it in the ignition. Turning it, she felt her heart drop when the engine stalled.

No. She was just starting to claw her way out of debt. She could not have this happen now! Turning the key again, she held her breath as the engine sputtered, but nothing more.

Why today of all days? Trying to keep her breathing steady, she rubbed the steering wheel. Whispering a few affirmations, she tried to will the car into starting.

There was a rap on the window. Turning, she saw Horac standing right outside.

“Need a jump?” He looked pointedly at the front of her car.

“My savior!” She called out, opening the door and popping her trunk.

Once she got out the jumper cables, Horac repositioned his truck. It was probably older than her clunker, but obviously better taken care of. There was a wax finish on it, catching the streetlight and looking lovely. The tires were new, windows all but sparkling. If it wasn’t for the snow and some slush, it would have looked like it rolled off a vintage vehicle lot.

And when it started, the engine purred.

Elle wondered if he was the type to stay in the garage after dark, polishing the metal meticulously. And if he winced every time her car squealed to life.

Once she’d opened the hood, Elle rubbed her hands together and stared at the vehicles. The Boarman fiddled with the cables, before standing next to her. Without realizing it, she scooted closer to him, feeling his body heat.

Sighing, he slipped off his coat and put it over Elle’s shoulders. Whatever it was made of was heavy, nearly making her knees buckle. She pulled it closed, adjusting her stance to stay upright.

“Aren’t you cold?” Elle asked.

“It’s not too bad.” He assured her. “I’ve dealt with a lot worse.” He fiddled with his key ring. “You want me to unlock the café so you can wait inside while your battery charges?”

With a sigh, Elle shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, there should be enough juice for me to get home.” The thought of her getting stuck on the highway on the trip back made her shiver. To be out on the full moon, without a protective charm. Shaking her head, Elle walked to her car and rubbed the roof, giving it a few more affirmations.

After a few more minutes, Elle slipped into the car and took in a deep breath. Turning the key, she winced when the car sputtered, before dying again. Sighing, she hit her forehead against the steering wheel, feeling ready to burst into tears.

Come on… Not today of all days.

“Want to call your insurance?”

Biting her lip, Elle avoided the Boarman’s eyes.

“... You have insurance, right?”

When she didn’t respond, Horac mumbled something, running a hand down his face and rolling his eyes. Sighing, he looked away and at the businesses turning their lights out and covering their windows.

“Then again, I don’t think there are any places open because of the full moon.”

Looking at his truck, Horac jerked his head toward it. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”

“It’s a half-hour drive!” Elle protested. “And you’ll be in the Leviathan district!”

“Alternative: Leave my coworker stranded on the full moon. She gets bitten by a werewolf or worse.” Horac took the cables off and put them back in her trunk. “A ride service is going to be more expensive, but if that’s what you’re more comfortable with.”

Elle wasn’t so sure the pittance in her wallet would cover the gas money the truck would need, let alone for a ride service or taxi.

“Well…”

“I should be able to make it back with plenty of daylight to spare,” Horac assured her.

Looking at her car, Elle slipped in and gave it one more try, but the engine only clicked.

Pulling out the tips, she peeled off one bill for herself and passed the rest to him. “I know that thing’s gotta be a gas guzzler.”

Rolling his eyes, Horac sighed and helped her into the truck, before starting it. They drove through the strip in silence as more snow fell.

“I knew that thing was going to crap out on your eventually.” Horac sighed. “I could always hear it before seeing it.”

Elle felt her cheeks burn. “It was all I had.” She swallowed hard. “I… Lived in it for a few months before I got the job at Ramses.”

Horac’s shoulders squared, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.

“Damn.” His tusks wiggled. “I… Don’t mean to pry, but has your ex been bothering you again?”

Shaking her head, Elle looked down at her phone. “No. I used my favor to make sure that he’d been taken care of.”

“Any word on that?”

“No, but it’s only been two days.” Elle sucked in a breath, looking at the burn on her wrist. It still perfectly resembled a pair of lips. Heat rushed through her, the memory of Ash’s lips on her skin fresh.

“You’re gonna be fine,” Horac said, reaching over like he was going to clap her on the shoulder. His hand hovered, before returning to the wheel “Ash, if nothing else, knows how to leave his customers satisfied.”

The silence that followed was stifling. Horac fumbled for the radio, finally managing to turn on a classic rock station.

They were about to get onto the highway when traffic started to bottleneck. Elle inhaled sharply, seeing all the cars ahead of them.

“Rookie.” Horac’s voice was calm. “This may put you in an awkward spot. And I’m sorry.”

Her eyes didn’t leave the road. There were a few vehicles that had slid off and flipped over. A few of the occupants were camped out on the shoulders, bundled up against the cold and chatting with police officers or on their phones. Despite this, another car flew past them in the merging lane.

Unable to stop, it slid, rear wheels spinning as the driver tried to get traction again.

If it was this bad now, how would it be after Horac dropped her off? Sure, his truck was better suited for the conditions, but the other drivers…

“Horac. How far away do you live?”

“About twenty minutes from here, other direction.” He said, eyes not leaving the road. Another car spun out, and he winced.

“I would… Feel really bad if you drove back in this.” Elle swallowed. “I… Don’t have anyone at home that needs me. If it’s easier, I can just crash on your couch tonight?”

Horac visibly relaxed. “I didn’t want to make it awkward and just offer it to you. But it beats driving home in this.” He craned his neck and nodded.

“Let me get off at this exit.” Flipping on his blinker, Horac inched forward and then eased out of the traffic.

Elle kept a death grip on the handle above the window.

“Will, uh, your kids be there?”

“No.” Horace’s eyes narrowed and he began to ease up the ramp. “It’s their week with mom.” He let out his breath when they managed to get onto a level surface. “We switch off every Friday.”

Once they were back in the district limits, the ride went a lot smoother.

“They’re safe?”

“Yes.” He exhaled sharply. “The safest they can be.”

They drove in silence again, the music filling the void. Buildings began to become sparse, long snowy fields taking over. She stared at them, seeing a few dead stalks of plants. Farmland? She frowned.

Horac kept his speed low, so the twenty minutes turned into thirty before they came upon an iron gate. Elle blinked rapidly, trying to hide her confusion. To her shock, the gate didn’t look like it surrounded a community, but a long sprawling driveway.

With a grunt, Horac opened the door and stepped out of the truck, physically opening the gate. It squealed noisily, making Elle grit her teeth, hands clapping over her ears. Once it was open, Horac looked back at her. The gate trembled slightly in his grip, but he kept it lifted.

“Think you can scooch it up a little bit for me?” He beckoned her.

Looking at the driver’s seat, Elle bit her lip. Unbuckling her seatbelt, she slid into the driver’s seat. With a white-knuckled grip, she shifted the gears and slowly edged the truck forward, hearing the roar of the engine as she stomped onto the gas. The vehicle lurched forward, and Elle quickly slammed on the brakes, chest hitting the steering wheel.

Horac winced and kept his head down as he waved her forward.

Much softer, Elle pressed on the gas. The wheels spun, spraying snow behind the bed of the truck, but the vehicle slowly rolled forward, finally passing the threshold. Slamming on the brakes again, she threw the gearshift into park and all but jumped into the passenger seat again as the gate squealed behind her.

Horac got back into the truck with a sigh.

“Well, you didn’t wreck it, so that’s a good start.”

They drove up the winding driveway, a house slowly coming into view. It was a two-story ranch, with a screened-in front porch. An old tire swing hung on a large tree in front, children’s toys covering the yard, half-buried in snow. Remnants of a garden were poking from behind a stone ring.

“It’s been in the family for years,” Horac explained as they parked. “Didn’t have the heart to sell it.”

Stepping out of the truck, Elle shouldered her purse. The snow continued to come down in large flakes, leaving the area blindingly white. As they entered through the garage, she could feel the pressure of a second threshold spring up.

Flipping on the lights, Horac opened the door, letting her go first.

They entered a living room. Despite the toys in the front yard, the inside was spotless, things tucked away cleanly into totes or baskets, blankets on the back of an expensive-looking couch, and an old tv set.

“Wow.” Elle fidgeted with her purse. “I had no idea.”

“It’s an inheritance.” Horace shrugged, before going to the kitchen. “Er… I hope you don’t mind tv dinners. It’s all I got that’s human-friendly. I normally eat out when my kids are here. I, uh… Don’t really like cooking when I’m not working, you know?”

“Sure!” Elle’s stomach grumbled. At this rate, she was ready to start chewing on anything solid.

Next to the couch was a nightstand with a lamp. A silvery rectangle was next to it, showing cracked glass across the middle.

Leaning down, she flipped on the lamp, illuminating a picture in a frame. It showed a dark-haired girl, maybe two or three, holding a newborn wrapped in a blanket. Her smile was big but didn’t reach her eyes. The crack covered a person reflected in the mirror, obscuring the picture taker.

They were all human.

Staring a moment longer, Elle finally pulled away when the floors creaked. Horac had gone down the hall, his shoulder scraping against the walls.

Come to think of it, she’d never asked about his kids, and the Boarman never indulged information beyond that he had them or had to leave early to take care of something pertaining to them.

Slipping off her coat, Elle looked down at her uniform. It was going to be uncomfortable sitting in it all night, but it was better than sliding off the road or being stranded. Pulling out her phone, she texted Wrecks that she and Horac had gotten back and were safe, reminding him to be careful.

Heavy footsteps brought her back.

There was a shirt and pair of shorts over Horac’s arm, judging by the size, it wouldn’t even fit over his head.

“You don’t have to take it, but,” Horac shrugged, tossing over the clothes. “I can’t imagine the maid outfit is terribly comfortable.”

Staring at the shirt, Elle saw it was the same pink as the ticket for “Temptation”. When she unfolded it, the club’s name was printed across the chest, a pair of crimson lips under it.

“Old shirt,” Horac said sheepishly.

“Were you in middle school?” Elle held it up to him. Even if they could get it over his head, it would probably rip at his shoulders. She wasn’t too read up on the anatomy of Boarmen.

“I-” Horac shook his head. “It was a while ago.”

Elle felt a twinge of guilt, knowing it would be unwise to press further. Holding the clothes to her chest, she ducked into the nearest room.

There were twin beds on opposite walls, a closet between them. Each one had a trunk at a foot of it. The headboard on the right said “Isabella” the one on the right said “Jolie”. The walls were covered with children’s drawings, from markers to crayons.

Isabella seemed to be the older one, showing more pictures. There was a drawing, showing a family of four, showing a dark-haired woman next to the girls, and a fair-haired man on the end.

“Daddy, Mommy, Me, Jolie.”

Elle stared at them, feeling a sudden pang in her chest.

Slipping on the clothes, Elle folded up her uniform and sighed.

When she came out, the shirt almost came to her knees, and the shorts down to her calves. The tie at the waist had to be looped around her hips to keep them from sliding down.

Horac was fiddling with a dial on the television, hooking it up to his laptop and managing to get a show streaming. An old black and white movie flickered across the screen. There were two sad-looking tv dinners on the coffee table, which Elle ate. It was better than nothing, making the rumbling in her stomach lessen.

They sat on opposite sides of the couch, the silence deafening.

“I was thinking about breaking out some of my old bourbon,” Horac finally said. “But if you’re not comfortable, I-”

“I haven’t been out drinking in years.” Elle almost laughed out loud. “I… Could never afford to.” She scratched the back of her head nervously. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to talk about how broke I am all the time.”

Horac shrugged. “I mean, you can’t help it.” He faced her. “But… You have drank before, right?”

“Oh, yeah!” Elle reassured him. “But it was like… Sneaking drinks from the older patrons of the academy I went to-” Her mouth closed, and she sighed. “It was a different time.”

Horac got up and went to the kitchen, glasses and bottles clinking. When he came back, he unscrewed the lid and poured them both a glass, his much taller and larger than hers, topping it off with cola.

A large ball of ice floated in the alcohol, fizzy clinging to it.

Picking up the cup, Elle gave a smile.

“To breaking old bonds,” Horac said, gently clinking his glass to hers. “May yours go smoother than mine.” The hem of his shirt hiked up, showing the twisted and knobby scar on his abdomen.

Averting her eyes, Elle tried to not stare.

Taking a drink, Elle winced at the taste but managed to gulp down the liquid. Eyes watering, she sniffed and wiped her nose. Setting the glass down, she took in a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose.

“You’re supposed to go slow.” Horac teased, before taking a sip of his own drink and setting it down, and filling Elle’s glass with water. “Only drink as much as you want to. If you just want water, it’s fine. And if you want me to stop drinking, just tell me.”

He drank another glass, switching the movie to an old tv show. His eyes were focused on the screen, but she could see him staring at her out of the corner of them.

Nursing the water, she thought about the drawing, then the photograph. Genetics of interspecies relationships escaped her. Sure, there were cambions, dhampirs, and holsteins, but purely human children? “So… What happened to you?”

“Hm?”

“I saw… A picture in your daughter’s room. A family drawing. It uh… Didn’t look like a Boarman in the “dad” spot.” She felt bad about prodding, but she had to know.

Horac was silent for a moment, running a thumb over the rim of his glass. His jaw clenched and unclenched before he sighed, topping off the drink with another round of bourbon.

“It’s a bit of a sore subject, but I feel like you should know since you’re dealing with Asmodeus.”

“What?” She tried to not look too baffled.

“Some of us get a demon’s Favor. Some of us get their Ire.” Horac explained, staring at the credits as they rolled across the screen.

“When I worked for Temptation, I was a good employee. A bunch of customers liked me, so did the workers. But I also wasn’t afraid to jump in and break things up when they got out of hand. It didn’t happen enough, but it was enough to justify keeping me around. I loved my wife. Loved my kids.” His tongue flitted across his lips.

“The succubus who had a thing for me, she was something else. Ash encouraged her because he… Has a way of thinking that doesn’t really match up with mine.” He frowned, the pause following extended.

“You don’t need to know the details of my screw-up.” Another drink, the glass filling with more bourbon and considerably less cola.

“But I messed up big time and got involved with shit I shouldn’t have been.” His shoulders sagged, shame darkening his features.

“If you know anything about Concubi, they can get really attached to regular… “customers”.” He added air quotes around the last word.

“Anyway, she shot her shot, wanting more. Then didn’t take it well when I rejected her.” He winced. “I deserved it. Honestly, I should have had a lot more happen.” He finished his drink, setting down the glass.

“Ramses approached me while I was in the hospital. And offered me a job as a cook. It was different, it was new. Fresh start. And I knew I could keep myself and my family safe.” He swallowed, eyes watery. “And I knew that once word had gotten around about the “incident” I would have a hard time finding anything else to do to make a living.”

“So, I agreed. I went to turn in my two weeks. Asmodeus took my resignation as betrayal, so he twisted my body and changed it. Ash kept him from going any further than that. That man is a demon, but he’s at least able to see both sides of things. That’s the reason I didn’t throw him out the second he walked into the café.”

Elle stared at him, her eyes wide. She picked up her glass and gulped it down, the rush of cold clearing her head.

“My wife wasn’t an idiot but trusted me. The Club wound up sending a bunch of pictures to our home. My… actions had broken down the threshold enough for them to be able to cross.” Inhaling sharply, Horac squeezed his eyes shut.

“The only solace I have is that the girls didn’t see them. Isabella doesn’t really remember what I used to look like, but she knows I’m… Different now. Jolie was a baby, so she’s only known this-” He waved a hand in front of his snout.

“-as how I look.”

Elle put a hand on his arm, giving it a light squeeze. He snorted, shaking his head.

“I’m sorry.” She said softly, before letting him go and scooting away to the other side of the couch.

“I’m lucky.” Horac insisted. “They could have gone after my family. I’ll take something like this a thousand times if it means they’re safe.”

He jerked his head toward her.

“What about you?”

Tit for tat. She almost felt guilty. He’d been so open with her about something that obviously hurt him, especially something that made him look… Less than perfect.

Judging by how much he’d drunk, he wanted to forget. Horac seemed a little more buzzed, although his speech hadn’t begun to slur, and he seemed sharp.

“I was eighteen.” Elle’s heart began to pound at the memory. The story had been told so many times, but each time she began, it was like her skin was being flayed open for everyone to see.

***

“If you summon this, there’s no telling what would happen!”

“Thousands of people summons demons every day.” Elodie swatted at the air. “And they’re doing just fine.” She looked at the symbols in the circle. “Besides, they have to do something before they can even do anything to you. Just gotta be smart about it.”

She looked at the frightened faces of her old friends. Years had worn away the features, making them all fuzzy. There were infernal runes and symbols for various sins over their faces, obscuring them further.

“I’m tired of living like this.” Scratching at her neck, Elodie finished touching up the last rune. “If this doesn’t work, I’ll go to the Beezelbub district and hit up the Vampires. I heard Plasma is supposed to be a safe Feeder Club.”

Of course, the rumors about ‘blood bags’ were vile. Vampiric saliva could be addicting, leaving the human unable to go the recommended six weeks between feedings. The pay would get lower and lower, and three would bind the biter and bloody together, too big of a risk.

She looked at the circle on the floor once more. It looked close enough to the ones from the blogs she’d been consulting.

“Now, you just need a bit of blood.” Elle paused, looking down at the components. “Whoever’s we use will be the one keeping this all in check.”

“Why not yours?”

“Hey!” She protested, feeling a rush of excitement and fear. “You sure about that? That means I’m gonna have all the power.”

“You’re the one who knows the most about this.”

Elodie huffed, scowling at the circle. “Still.”

She flexed her fingers. Looking at the ritual knife, she picked it up, holding the handle tightly. No one moved to stop her. Either they were frozen with fear or had complete confidence. She wasn’t sure which one was better.

Nodding, she began to head to the center of the circle, hearing a few gasps.

“Last chance to back out,” She warned, eyeing the faces of her friends.

No one moved.

Taking the blade, Elle lifted her skirt and ran it along the outside of her thigh, chanting in the infernal language. It was harsh on her throat, like gargling nails. As crimson flowed from her leg to the central symbol, the lines began to glow.

Air stirred, candle flames flickering. The energy began to shift, loud crackling making everyone jump. Elodie could feel the pressure and heat building but didn’t stop chanting.

“Servant of Mammon, I command you to come to me!”

A candle erupted. Then another. And soon the flames had become infernal pillars, faces flickering in the fire. Legions of screams began to add to the crackling, the heat becoming unbearable. Sweat poured into Elle’s mouth, but she didn’t stop chanting.

Screams filled the air as the candles were dropped, and the room was vacated. Flames caught on the curtains.

Stopping her chanting, Elodie ran out of the circle and began to stamp on the fires. Luckily, they hadn’t spread too much, but there was enough ash in the room to leave her clothes covered with them. Glaring at the closed doors, she crossed her arms.

The petty part of her wanted to wait and see if any came back to check if she was alright. But she figured it wouldn’t end well. The Headmasters were likely already being informed of the ritual and that there was something on the loose the students couldn’t control.

At least she could clean up the room before they got into more trouble. Or worse, someone with even less sense would try and do the ritual again and crack open a Hellmouth.

She knelt to pick up the candles when a wave of heat rolled over her, the room suddenly bathed in crimson light. Whirling around, she saw a naked man sitting where her blood had spilled.

Aside from the flesh-colored horns poking from his brow, he looked completely human. Inhaling sharply, Elodie felt a rush of scents hit her nose. Honey. Pine. Chocolate. Mint. The seemed to shift on a dime, images flashing in front of her.

Honey poured in tea to sweeten it. A pine forest in the summer. A box of chocolates was passed to her by a classmate (who had the demon’s face for some reason). And the mint of someone’s breath as they leaned in to kiss her.

Covering her mouth and nose, Elle coughed loudly, trying to clear her head and keep her eyes above the demon’s waist.

A noise alerted him. Slowly, the stranger stood, a whip-like tail swishing behind him. Raking fingers through wavy hair, he opened his mouth to speak but paused.

Doors burst open and in came the teachers and caretakers, shouting out binding spells and slapping charms on the walls to seal off the room.

“Elodie Shepard! What were you thinking?”

The demon vanished in a puff of pink smoke.

As the room was blocked off, Elodie winced as she was grabbed by the arm and hauled off.

“Well?” Headmistress Blackstone stared at Elodie from across her desk. “You’re lucky the spell didn’t work. Or who knows what you could have brought here.”

Elle opened her mouth about to say it had, in fact, worked. But then she thought better of it and closed it.

Blackstone spread polaroids taken from the scene across the desk. Despite the anger in her voice, the older woman’s brows quirked up, obviously impressed.

“I know you’re kicking me out next week.” Elodie tried to keep her voice calm, despite the burning on her leg. “Because I haven’t shown any particular skills. Nothing to justify keeping me past adulthood.”

“So,” Blackstone steepled her fingers. “Was this supposed to impress?” She shook her head, “Because the Guardians will have to be notified, and that room will have to be sealed off to prevent anything further from happening. Anyone who needed that room will be denied it for at least a month.”

“It was supposed to give me a chance before I got thrown out with nothing.” Elodie shook her head. “You’ll never get it.”

Sighing, Blackstone pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m sorry, Miss Shepard. We tried to raise you right, even letting you stay past the cutoff date for a couple of gap years while we tried to finesse a proper higher education for you. But between your subpar test results, your need to skirt the rules, and the number of times you’ve been caught on grounds with boys-”

“It takes two to tango!”

“I know, Miss Shepard, but you have a… Habit. You’ve been caught no less than six times with four different boys. The woods. In the bathrooms. Even in the library where you were supposed to be studying! One of those boys had parents who donate to the school. They threatened to pull their funding because they thought we were neglecting his education.”

Elodie scowled and looked out the window. “I bet if my parents were rich, you’d let it slide. But because I’m a foundling brat-”

“There are a lot more with half your talent who work twice as hard,” Blackstone warned. “People who have gone through a lot more than just parental abandonment. You have to stop assuming people who aren’t blindly praising you are out to get you.”

“This incident would have been the last straw, even if we had a reason to keep you here, this cannot be overlooked.” Blackstone pointed to one of the photos. “What were you planning on doing with this particular demon?”

“A demon of Mammon can get you material goods.” Elodie shrugged. “Figured if I was going to be left with nothing, I could at least get myself something to help me live until I could get something to sustain myself.”

“Well, you need to brush up on your runes.” She waved the photo. “ This is a symbol of Asmodeus, not Mammon.”

“...Oh.” Elodie shifted uncomfortably. That explained a few things.

They stared at one another in silence. Elodie shook her head, before standing up.

“I’ll go collect my things.”

Blackstone raised her hand, magic crackling in the air. Elodie plunked back down in the chair.

“You’re never to take up the title of Mage, used magic generated of your own power, or use the academy for any reference in any career endeavors.” The Headmistress sniffed. “I hope this stunt was worth it.”

As Elodie packed up her belongings, which wasn’t much, she noticed her friends were giving her a wide berth. A change of clothes and a few toiletries that could fit in a small backpack were all she had left in the world.

If they hadn’t run… They’d probably be joining her on the street tonight instead of next week.

Once she was off the property, the squeak of the iron gate loud in the night, she finally started to cry. She let out the tears, before sniffing and wiping her eyes. Fanning herself, she managed to pull out a map without stumbling.

This was it. She was on her own now.

Staring at the map, she stood under a bus shelter, letting the dim amber of the streetlight illuminate the twisting lines of the map. Wind buffetted Elodie, threatening to rip the paper from her hands. Gripping it tightly, she grit her teeth and sucked in a breath.

The cycling scents hit her nose again. Peppermint. Pumpkin. Fresh bread. Coffee.

The smell of a city square during the holidays. Autumn gatherings with pastries. A bakery in the summer. A cafe in the spring.

Jerking her head up, she stumbled back. The demon was standing across the street, now dressed in a uniform from the academy. It was too small for him, the buttons straining and pantlegs baring his ankles.

“Oh! Now you show up!” Elodie snapped.

“Sorry about that.” His voice made her breath catch. Each syllable seized her heart, and the map slipped from her hand.

“Adrian Ashborn.” The Power of his name crackled in the air.

Ashborn. So Blackstone had been right. He was a Demon of Asmodeus.

The faces in the flame came back. Were they other Concubi trying to break through the veil?

“I was trying to summon a demon from Mammon , not Asmodeus.” Elodie rubbed her face. “You were a mistake, I’m sorry.”

He was suddenly in front of her, their faces close enough for breath to mingle.

“Gah!” She flinched away from him.

“Don’t do that!” She rubbed her brow. The smells were starting to worm their way in, and she wanted to bury her face in his chest and just rest there.

No, that was how they trapped people, focus!

“Go away.”

“I can’t do that.” He said, a matter of factly, keeping pace with her as she started to walk. “You summoned me, so you have to dismiss me.”

“I’m not a mage anymore.” Elodie looked over her shoulders to check for cars. “They took all my magic, you must have felt the power holding you drain.”

“You bound me with your blood, not power.”

Elodie let out another groan, which seemed to amuse Adrian. His smirk would have been punchable on any other face. She still wanted to hit him, but she felt more restrained than normal.

“They really sent you out here with nothing, huh?”

“Can’t afford to keep feeding and housing me without a return.” Elodie sniffed, trying to flag down a passing car. “Barely managed to scrape by on my final exams to keep me. If I’d passed them this year, I’d be there until twenty-six.”

They sped up, hitting a puddle of mud and spraying her. Stepping away from the road, she looked towed the lightening sky, ready to scream.

They finally came to a rest stop, and Elodie ducked into the bathroom. Adrian started to follow her, but she swatted him in the chest, pointing to the sign.

“Ladies only.”

Inside, she scrubbed off the worst of the mud but was still covered with it. Changing her clothes, she stuffed the damp clothes in her backpack. At least she had that.

When she came out, Adrian all but tackled her. He seized her arms, the touch sending a bolt through her. She barely managed to clench her jaw before a loud moan came out.

“I got us a ride.” He jerked his head toward a van, where a bunch of men in flannel waved them over.

“There’s a motel about three miles from here.” He explained. “They’re on their way to the nearby Hunting Grounds.”

Werewolves. Blinking, Elodie sputtered.

The pack was a polite, if talkative, bunch. They had filled up all the seats, but there was room on the floor of the van to sit, so she did. Adrian sat next to her.

Elodie was glad she didn’t have to say anything, although being in close proximity with Adrian was making her head spin. The scents, the warmth of his skin, the way the sun seemed to hit him just right.

“Sucks that you’re in such a tight spot, but we’ve all been there.” The pack leader remarked, “It’s not much, but we’ll cover your first night so you can at least sleep somewhere warm while you try and get your bearings.”

“Thank you.” Adrian smiled, and there was a collective inhale as everyone quickly averted their eyes. “Parents were a lot less accepting than you were.”

Elodie tried to not roll her eyes. Of course, he’d go that route. Two lovebirds from different species in an unforgiving world. She felt guilty for lying, but she also didn’t want to be kicked out of somewhere twice in less than a day.

“Just gotta find your people.” One of the wolves said. “It’ll get better, trust me.”

The wolves let Adrian cover up with one of their blankets, but by the time they were at the motel, his skin was already blistered and peeling. The clerk took one look at them and about fainted, but quickly passed over the key as Elodie yanked him back into the room.

“They weren’t kidding about you guys not being able to handle the sun.” Elodie winced, scouring the bathroom for a first aid kit.

“I’ll heal up eventually.” Adrian watched her from the bed, which of course there was only one of. “You’re quite resistant.”

“Huh?” She paused, looking at the pitiful bar of soap and toiletries they had. Sighing, she began to check the closet.

“To my charms.” That damn smirk was back.

“Oh. I feel them.” Elodie rolled her eyes. “But I’m ignoring it, like a random person screaming on the crosswalk.”

“Ah. Explains your irritability. Ow!” He swatted at her backpack when it hit his face. When it fell, small red lines opened on his face and began to bleed.

“Look.” His voice dropped a few octaves, freezing Elodie in place. “I have a proposition for you.” Taking a tissue from the box on the nightstand, he dabbed as the blood. “I can’t be sent back until I fulfill a contract, and you seem to be in a bit of a bind.”

“I may be an incubus, but all that means is that I get my power a certain way. I might not have Mammon as my Prince but…” He squeezed the tissue tightly, the veins on his hand popping out. When he opened it, there were gold coins in his palm.

Elodie stared at it, eyes wide. Licking her lips, she dared a few steps closer.

“I think we can come to some sort of agreement.” He palmed the gold and stuck it in his pocket, the motion betraying his erection.

“Good to know Demons are pigs just like their human counterparts.” Elodie snapped, turning away and scoffing. “I’m many things, but I don’t-”

“It’s literally how I sustain myself, Dear. Do you shame a vampire for feeding on blood? Or a human for eating meat or vegetables? A spider for eating a fly?”

Sighing, Elodie nodded. It was in his nature, and he couldn't help it. Not to mention he was probably in pain from the sunburn. He hadn’t asked to be summoned. And she’d yanked him into this mess.

Turning to face him again, she rubbed her thigh nervously.

“Just one contract, and you’ll go away?”

“Of course.” The corner of his lip tugged up. “If that’s what you want.”

Her lips parted as she tried to come up with the words, but nothing came out.

“For one, I would like to not be reminded of Hell, so if you could be so kind as to assist me with my burns.”

Swallowing, Elodie gestured to the empty closet behind her. “There’s uh… Not any aloe or anything like that.”

“As I said, we sustain ourselves on a very specific sin.” He flexed his fingers, “Unless you’d rather me wait around until nightfall and go looking for someone else.” Leaning over, he put his ear to the door. “I can hear the hotel staff moving around, I’m certain there’s someone among them that wouldn’t mind a quick fuck in exchange for-”

He yelped as Elodie slammed him against the headboard, arms clutching the too-tight shirt. Buttons popped off, rolling on the floor.

“You are not going to abandon me after all I just went through!” She snapped, before realizing she was digging her nails into his skin. Blood had soaked into the fabric. Red smeared on her fingers, and she let him go.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Adrian assured her. “I love a woman who can kick my ass.”

Rolling her eyes, Elodie slid off the bed, sitting at the foot of it.

Adrian placed a hand on her thigh, right over the wound from the ritual knife. The touch was light, but it felt like he’d stuck a blade into the wound. Wincing, she pulled away, but his fingers lingered on her skin.

“Why’d you cut there instead of your palm? Would have been a lot easier to control where your blood dropped in the circle.”

“Not as many nerve endings. And I wanted to make sure I could hold onto the knife if you got wily.” Although her friends running and breaking the circle had made that pretty much impossible.

“And if you’d cut here.” His fingers slid to her inner thigh, making her breath hitch. “You would have cut the femoral artery and bled out before the people who sealed off the room got there.”

The touch was light, but Elodie could feel herself starting to quiver. Adrian inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. The blisters on his hands and fingers began to heal, the skin becoming smooth and whole again.

“You may not be able to use magic made by your own power, Miss Elodie Shepard.” The energy of her name crackled in the air, making her heart skip a beat.

“But I can promise you, if you allow me this, I will make sure that you are taken care of.” The tip of his finger brushed against the cotton of her panties.

Elodie’s back arched, a shuddering breath escaping from her lips. The finger between her legs stayed, before Adrian’s hand began to travel up more, slipping past the fabric. A soft moan escaped him as he found the soaking folds.

She fell back onto the bed, her skirt hiking up as her legs spread. The burns were gone from Adrian’s arm, and more were vanishing before her very eyes. Adrian’s fingers pumped in and out of her, his free hand sliding up and slipping under her shirt. It slowly rose up, exposing her midriff and bra to him. His nails traced over her breasts, covering her in gooseflesh.

The hand went behind her shoulders, unhooking her bra with surprising precision. Leaning down, he took the cups between his mouth and yanked it off.

Running his tongue over her nipples, he put it between his lips and began to suck. His finger circled her other breast, nail tracing over the erect tip. Between that and the fingers pumping in and out of her, it was almost too much to bear.

She just wanted to come. But… Then what would happen? Panting, Elodie stared up at the ceiling, the soft moans getting louder and louder.

“You held yourself together pretty well.” He rose up to straddle her. Taking his finger out, he brought it to his lips. It was shimmering with wetness.

“But now that I know it’s there…”

Opening his mouth, he began to suck it. A moan went through him as he shuddered, brushing his erection against her panties. When he pulled back, there was a wet spot on his crotch.

“You’re not going to be able to hide it from me anymore.” He ground his hips into her, his smile widening as she let out a few whimpers, before clapping her hand over her mouth. How thin were the walls of this place?

The noises made him chuckle, the blisters receding from his cheeks and jaw. Did anything related to sex give him power?

“It’s taking all my self-control not to tear these off you right now.” He hooked a thumb under her waistband, slipping her underwear off and flinging it to the side. “When I get you some more clothes, I’ll make sure to do just that.”

Grabbing the hem of her skirt, he roughly pulled it off, the seams popping.

Putting a leg over his shoulder, he began to kiss down (up?) Elodie’s calf, the back of her knee, then thigh. His tongue circled her inner thigh, then slowly traveled up. His fingers parted her lower lips, breath rolling over the soaking folds.

Elodie clutched the blanket, biting her lip.

Adrian began to lick, hands wrapping around her thighs and placing her knees on his shoulders. Elodie yelped, legs crossing at the nape of his neck. The motion pushed him further into her, and he groaned. His teeth grazed her, revealing they were slightly sharper than a human’s, but not enough to be fangs.

He plunged deeper, rolling his jaw and moaning, pulling back with a gasp and swirling his tongue around her clit. Elle moaned, rocking her hips against his face as her legs began to shake. The noises of pleasure only encouraged him further, and he continued to lick and suck at her clit, fingers plunging into her, thrusting back and forth.

When he pulled his face off to breathe, he licked his lips and brushed up the fluid into his mouth, sucking his fingers with a moan.

“Way better than aloe.” He panted, the burns now gone. Fumbling, he managed to unbutton the shirt and shrugged it off.

Unbuttoning the pants, he let them slide down to his thighs, his cock hard and dribbling. Taking some of the fluid still on his chin, Adrian stroked himself, panting as he made eye contact with Elodie. Black and white rippled in his sclera.

Pushing her leg up, Adrian lined himself up, damp head brushing against her wetness. Elodie’s breath hitched, feeling herself clench. He noticed, brows coming together in confusion.

He put a finger on her clit, and began to circle it, grinding his hips against her, using her wetness to lube his shaft and head up. Biting his lip, he stared down at her, slowly starting to smile as she let out more pants of pleasure.

As he continued to stimulate, he lined himself up again, her breath hitching as she shifted, opening her legs wider. She could see wetness on his fingers and her thighs.

“You’re something else, Elodie,” Adrian said, his voice barely above a whisper. Shifting his hips, he slid inside her. “I can tell this is going to be the start of something amazing.”

It was like a barrier had been broken, something inside her unraveling. Back arching, Elodie screamed as she saw every color of the rainbow, her vision blurring. Eyes watering, she felt her voice start to give out as her perception of the world started to slip away, only sensations of pleasure filling her mind.

Adrian’s fingers laced with hers and he pinned them on either side of her head. His legs pushed hers apart and he began to thrust, hilting himself inside with each movement.

Elodie could see various runes and symbols, feeling the contract starting to form. It was like manacles were forming around her wrists, pinning her to the bed.

He released her, tangling his fingers in her hair and pressing her lips to his. As he continued to thrust, his tongue plunged into her mouth. Closing her eyes, she let the sensation take over. The runes and symbols seemed even more vivid than before.

Wait… Those are infernal…

Their tongues twined, and his moans reverberated in her ears, vibrating through her entire being, his heart thundering in his ribcage, the raising and lowering of his chest. Heats mingled, going from pleasantly warm to an inferno of pleasure.

He’s been writing the contract the entire time?

Adrian finally pulled back, gasping for air. His grip on Elodie’s hair tightened, keeping her head down on the bed. His skin glistened with sweat, his whole body heaving with exertion.

Wait, go back, what does it say?

Grabbing her hips, Adrian raised them, thrusting deeper than before. She could feel his hip bones with how hard he slammed into her, making her squeak and lock her legs around him. Smiling, he shifted and spread her out over his shaft, then started to rub her clit again.

All thoughts and symbols began to fade away.

Elodie yelped, feeling the pleasure ripple through her body, then crest as she clenched.

Letting out a groan of pleasure, Adrian shuddered, his cock twitching. Panting, he pulled out, white strands spurting onto her stomach.

“Well, I’d say that was…” His eyes narrowed as he lifted her hip. “What the Hell?”

“W-what’s wrong?” Elodie sputtered, legs shaking too hard to move.

“You’re still twitching. You okay?”

Nodding, Elodie fell back with a sigh, covering her eyes. He’d have to learn to not scare the bejeesus out of her next time.

Wait… Why was she thinking about a next time? This was supposed to be a one-time thing. Panting, she turned on her side. Fumbling with the air conditioner, she turned it on full blast, letting the cool air roll over her.

Then, her stomach heaved. Springing up from the bed, she rushed to the toilet, her legs giving out just when she reached it.

Retching, she felt her stomach empty itself. The pleasure that filled her body started to turn into a pattern of throbbing and dull aches.

Fingers went through her hair. Adrian clutched it in a knot at the back of her head, tight enough to hold it back, but loose enough not to make the headache worse. The cycling scents started again, but now they were making Elodie’s body shake and eyes water.

“Sorry. Should have told you about this. It’s a bit of a hangover.” Adrian sat on the rim of the tub, leaning down and pressing his lips to her shoulder. Wincing, Elodie jerked away from his touch. “Humans aren’t… Too terribly used to the sensations.”

He looked hurt, but it was hard to tell how much out of the corner of her eye.

When Elodie finished, Adrian flushed the toilet, putting a damp rag to her forehead. Then, he picked her up and carried her out of the bathroom.

The hotel room had gone from a barely furnished space, to something out of a luxury suite. The bed was taller, the comforter fluffier and embroidered with a scene from hell. A demon (that could be said to resemble Elodie) reclined in a pool, being fed some sort of fruit by a pair of naked men. Setting her down, Adrian smiled.

The backpack she’d come in with was now a trunk, so full of clothing that the lid couldn’t close. Adrian pulled out a silk robe and passed it over to Elodie, and she slipped it on. He pulled out a matching one and tied it, but it did little to hide his growing erection.

The mini-fridge that came with the room was now filled with champagne and chocolates. The nightstand was now filled with money and jewelry.

“It’s a start,” Adrian confessed. “I’m not a servant of Mammon, but…”

***

“It’s always good until it isn’t,” Elle said, sighing.

“Making a contract that you couldn’t even read.” Horac shook his head and sighed. “Damn. I knew demons were sneaky, but that seems low, even for a Hell Dweller.”

“It was my own damn fault.” Elle looked at her drink. Even if she hadn’t gone into all the details, they were still fresh. Concubi preyed on sensation, so encounters with them were near impossible to forget.

“If I hadn’t tried to summon a demon, none of this would have happened.” Her hand went to her thigh. The scar had long since faded, but she could see it in her mind’s eye, still slick with blood.

“But ‘maybe’, ‘shoulda’, ‘coulda’, ‘woulda’ gets tiring after a while.” She had gotten past the point of self-pity. It was why she’d started this new life. Why she’d gone into so much debt to escape him. And why she was finally going to leave the past where it belonged. Behind.

“What will you do when he’s gone?” Horac asked.

The question gave her pause. She’s spent so long focusing on getting out from under the rock it never really occurred to her what “later” would entail.

“I don’t know. I never really had a plan outside of ‘get away’ and ‘pay off my debts’.” The original plan was to work as a mage. Then it was to survive with Adrian. Then it was to get away with Adrian…” She frowned. “I kind of just went along with what felt right at the time. Because…” Her hands closed on the empty air.

“...It felt right?” Horac finished for her.

She stifled a laugh. “Not as profound as I could have hoped.” She shrugged. “Until I know my next move, I’ll just keep doing what I’ve been doing.”

Taking the tv dinners and glasses, Horac cleared off the table. He managed to find an old phone charger Elle could use. Once she’d gotten it plugged in, she set up a makeshift bed on the couch.

Horac shuffled off to his bedroom, where Elle could hear him talking on the phone, likely to his daughters. Despite it all, he had people who cared about him.

She thought about Wrecks and Ramses. Now she could add the Boarman to the list of people she considered her friends.

Staring at the shadows on the ceiling, Elle laced her fingers over her stomach. Closing her eyes, she settled in, pulling the blankets up to her chin and trying to snatch a bit of sleep before the morning.

Next part here!

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