Fantasy Worst Demon King Ever

[TanteRegenbogen]

Plot:

Some priests have been talking about a prophesy of the demon king reemerging soon. Then you come across a bubbly demon girl or at least you think it's a girl. You're unsure. It however turns out this is the demon king or queen. Even their minions aren't terrifying. But then it is said that the minions of the demon lord represent the nature of the demon lord. In all honestly, the demon god made an error when choosing the demon lord and resurrected someone who just sucks at being evil. Even the people they accidentally killed with their monstrous power turn out to be real nasty people themselves.

Nonetheless, the temple is out to destroy the demon lord, bubbly or not. Will you protect your new friend or will you aid the temple in defeating the demon lord?

Setting:

Start in the desert nation of An-Atsura. It is a nation of a few large cities, nomads and villages situated around oases. Most people in An-Atsura worship the "minor deities" and very few the major deities of the Veres holy nation. Especially popular is the god of fertile soil Hadra and the goddess of family and friendship Sidramaot. In the major cities, you can find temples to Aevith, the chief goddess and goddess of creation and child bearing. An-Atsura has some modern technology (in this case arcanepunk tech), but usually else than crystal lights and sometimes a rail line, the cities and villages of An-Atsura are still pretty far in the past compared to other nations.

Typical An-Atsura village:

Atsurakan, capital of An-Atsura:

Between An-Atsura and the holy nation of Veres, there is the Republic, a modern nation that is often at odds with Veres and only has modest relations with An-Atsura. To get from An-Atsura to Veres, it takes three months by foot or two weeks by rail. That is how vast the republic is. The holy nation of Veres itself is about two thirds the size of the Republic and An-Atsura is about a fifth the size of the Republic.

Aevithia, capital of Veres:

Magic: Most people have a magic affinity and can only used magics outside of the affinity to a lesser extent. The magics are elemental magics (fire, water/ice, earth/plant and air), summoning, taming, illusion, combat magic, dark magic, death magic, abyssal magic and healing magic. Healing magic can be only used by those who have received the blessing of a deity.

Deities:

Main deity: Aevith (goddess of creation and childbearing)

Major deities: Hars (war god), Ea (water goddess), Kora (goddess of harvest), Fira (fire god), Kirvath (forest god)

Minor deities (over 100): Hadra (god of fertile soil), Sidramaot (goddess of family and friendship), Rurra (ogre goddess of hidden knowledge)

Technology:

There is some arcanepunk technology. From TVs to lights to cars. In Veres and An-Atsura, they aren't so common. In the Republic, you have it everywhere. Even manatech prosthetic limbs exist. Remember, the more a body is replaced with manatech, the more mana is required to use them. No mana can put someone into a coma or even be fatal.

Species:

Humans, elves, ogres, demi-humans/demi-elves, orcs, wolf people, cat people, wyvernkin (like scaled humans, both land based and flying versions exist), demons (though only a demon character is allowed as a minion or follower of the demon lord)

Rules:
1. Please post within three days. With notifying the other players, you have up to a week to post.
2. No one-liners
3. No face claims of real people
4. No species else than those mentioned.
5. No powerplaying or godmoding
6. Have fun

Demon lord is already taken.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Felis Jikabir

It was the morning of the village festival in Al-Darus. Felis was up early as he as the village priest had to make preparations. After washing, he had put on shorts and an underrobe (basically the first layer of his robe, a black robe made of a thin material with a button up high standing collar with a frilled lace trim at the top). Over that, he put on his priest robe that has an intricate design and was mostly turquoise in color with silver threading in the pattern. As the priest, he also wore a terracotta red turban over his shoulder length white hair. His outfit somewhat hid his twinkish frame otherwise, he could be confused for a woman.

He grabbed his staff and left his humble abode to make his rounds in the village. The first person to come across him was his childhood friend Akusha. "Good morning, Felis. Early as always I see. I myself am excited for the festival this evening." Akusha said with a cheery expression. Felis replied: "Good morning, Akusha. Did you just wait for me now?" "It is nice to see your cute face in the morning. You don't look a year over 18." Akusha said. This made Felis blush, but at the same time it was slightly creepy that someone would peep on him while he was sleeping.

"Akusha, please. It is a little creepy with you spying on me. But thanks for the compliment. I need to make my rounds now. You can come along, but I need to make sure that I don't get too distracted. Otherwise I wont get done on time." Felis said. When he turned back towards her, her face was really close, to which he backed up a little. "Say, Felis. When are you going to get a wife? You are a priest of Sidramaot. You are allowed to marry and have children." Akusha said all of a sudden. Taken aback, Felis replied: "Where did that come from? I have my duties, plus..." he sunk his head in embarassment "I suck at flirting. Plus who would want to marry me? Most of the women my age are already married."

Akusha crossed her arms. "Felis. Sometimes you are so dense! There are plenty of women in Al-Darus who dream of becoming your wife. But you don't seem to recognize when someone is flirting with you. And you think that everyone is already taken? What about me? I am unmarried!" Felis came to a realization. Did Akusha have feelings for him? He didn't know how to go about asking her about it. He tried though: "Y... you don't have someone? Is there anyone you like?" Akusha looked disappointed and a little pouty. "Felis you dummy." Akusha said. "We have been friends for so long and long ago we promised each other something. You said that if you don't find a wife by 25, you'd marry me. Now I have been waiting for five years."

"B...b...b...but we said that when we were children. I didn't expect it to still count. Wait." Felis finally realized that Akusha definitely likes him. His face turned totally red. "You want to marry me? I... I need some time to think about it." He said before he began to run from Akusha.

Akusha said to herself: "At least he didn't say no. That could be a good sign."

Felis went on his rounds, trying to get his mind off of what Akusha said. Sure, they have been friends for a long time. But he didn't expect her to have these feelings.


Time went by... and before he knew it, it was evening and time for the festival. He had changed to his ornate white and silver festival robe and a turquoise turban. Everything was ready and slightly the central village plaza filled with people. There were food stalls, a central stage with a carpet and a short table to the side where Felis sat on a cushion next to the village elders.

Felis got up to move his legs a little. Suddenly a figure blocked his path. It was a beautiful dark brown haired woman with tanned skin and purple eye color. It was Akusha. She wore a long blue dress with embroidery and wore a black lace choker with a blue crystal pendant. Her appearance this evening was jaw dropping for Felis.

"Good evening, Felis." Akusha said. Felis stuttered a reply: "H...hello. Akusha. Y... you look amazing." "So have you thought about earlier." Akusha said. Felis replied: "I wouldn't rush it." Akusha looked a little disappointed at first but her expression changed to happiness when Felis continued: "But we can take it slowly and it could become something." Akusha went over to her family and said: "Mother, father... Felis has proposed to me."

"Akusha... wait. I..." Felis gave up. Everyone within earshot was on board with the plan. The guys from the village would hang near Felis and congratulate him. "It's finally about time. I knew you would get together. You two are like the best of friends." And other similar comments came to him from the men and women of the village.

Once things calmed down, the village festival got underway and Felis fulfilled his role as the host and moderator of the event. Eventually, a troupe started to play music and the festival was in full swing.

But eventually, Felis felt something wasn't right but he couldn't figure out what.

All of a sudden, arrows began raining down on the celebrating villagers. Felis immediately put up a barrier, but it was too late. A number of villagers had been killed and numerous others were injured. Felis saw as fireball and meteor spells were used against the village.

"Everyone, get to the caves!" Felis yelled. "I will hold off the attacks! Don't worry about me. Save yourselves first!" Soon the plaza cleared out as the villages brought themselves to safety. The caves were not only a safe place but they also led to other villages in the area.

Akusha and a few of the more combat ready villages stayed behind for defense. But soon they were overwhelmed by hundreds of soldiers of Aevith. Felis didn't understand. Why were paladins of Aevith attacking an innocent village. As the priest, he tried to demand the reason for the attack, but the enemy continued to attack. So Felis had to make good use of the martial arts he learned in priest training. Priests of Sidramaot weren't only priests but the prime guardians of the villages and often one of the strongest warriors in their respective villages. Felis was quite skilled, but there were definitely stronger priests in the region some being walls of muscle, maintaining that physique well into old age.

Felis managed to take out about a dozen soldiers before being overwhelmed. But they were only subdued, not killed. They weren't to be killed yet. The commander of the paladins wanted a word with the village elders and Felis.

A man in shiny mythril armor approached the detained group. "Where is the reborn demon lord? If you can tell us, we will spare your village." The commander said. Felis then responded: "Demon lord? You ask of something impossible. We know of no demon lord." A soldier then spoke to the commander: "Maybe the demon lord has not been reborn yet."

The paladin commander then said: "If that was true, then we need to take measures to kill whoever is going to turn into the demon lord. The prophesy said that the demon lord will be a resident of this village. We will execute this lot and then destroy the village and anyone who resides in it." "You can't do this! What kind of paladins are you?" Felis shouted. The commander then replied: "Aevith will reward you for your sacrifice. There is no other way."

Felis heart sank as they pulled Akusha to the middle of the plaza and made her kneel. "Leave Akusha alone!" Felis shouted. Akusha with tears flowing from her eyes said: "Felis, I will hopefully see you in the next life." before a soldier lopped off her head with a single swing. Felis head sank as his best friend had been executed in front of him.

"Bring the priest next. Give him the honor of a swift and honorful death. Allow him to pray before execution." The commander said. He was placed in the middle of the plaza where he was allowed to pray to Sidramaot. But the second he had finished praying, his head fell down and he could feel his body before losing consciousness the seconds after. But before losing consciousness, he heard the sound of a bell and a voice: "I shall grant you new life. Become my champion."


Felis awoke in a voice. It seem he was in an ethereal form. "Say child. Do you wish to be reborn?" A voice said. Felis responded: "I am fine with passing on to the next life if my sacrifice saved my people." "That's too bad. Those paladins will hunt the villagers until every last one, regardless if it is an adult or a child. They want to stop the rebirth of the demon king. You shall be the demon king." The voice said.

"And if I refuse?" Felis inquired. The voice answered: "Then your soul will pass onto the next life and I will find someone who will fulfill the role. But remember, as long as there is no demon king, the paladins will continue to hunt innocents." "So, I should take it on to protect others? Maybe if someone else has the role, then they might cause even more damage." Felis said. He thought a little and replied: "I will accept your offer, but can my friend Akusha be revived too?"

"It can be arranged. But not in the same moment as your rebirth. Once you have a proper base, that can be accomplished." The voice said. Felis then accepted the deal: "Alright, then I shall be the demon lord to protect others. Say my lord, how do you name yourself?" "Kadra. My name is Kadra, the demon god." The voice said. Felis was unfamiliar with this Kadra, but he had heard that demons were the ultimate evil and would fight endless wars. He wasn't the type to do evil deeds and felt it may be his duty to conquer the human realm with less suffering than past demon kings. But he'd try this evil thing if his god asked for it or at least try to appear villainous, even though he didn't have the heart for it.

Suddenly, Felis saw a bright white light and awoke in the desert outside of the burning village. As he got up, a fresh cold wind made him shiver. He looked at himself to realize he was only wearing shorts and a very short sleeveless black turtleneck croptop. It was so short that he had some underboob. "Wait, I have boobs?" Felis said. His voice. Oh no, his voice. His voice was higher pitched and sounded like a girl. A closer look at himself and Felis noticed that his appearance was that of a female.

"Why am I a girl in skimpy clothes?!" Felis shouted while upset. Kadra's voice could be heard: "I thought you were a girl. Though you are currently not all the way a woman, yet also not exactly a man either. At least if gives you more choice with partners." "Are you serious? i was a guy. I know I looked kind of feminine, but how did a god not notice?" Felis shouted.

"I can't really change it now. Actually, I don't want to change it. You will just have to deal with it. But hey, think about it. You got a new identity and you can call yourself what you like." Kadra said. Pouting, Felis replied: "At least give me decent clothes that aren't skimpy." A black smoke wrapped around Felis giving him a collared minidress (like in the pic of character sheet), black thigh highs and flat sole shoes. He seemed to have a simple black choker on that wont come off. "Can I take this off? I don't mind it at the moment, but it doesn't have any possiblity to open a fastener to remove it." Felis asked. Kadra replied: "It is permanent. It sort of marks where you can detach your head."

"Detach my head? Why?" Felis asked. Kadra answered: "So that you don't die next time your head is lopped off." Felis was unamused by Kadra's response.

"Anyways, it is still pretty cold, can you at least make me a cute coat?" Felis asked. A black knee length coat appeared on Felis. It was quite girlish. Felis sighed. He wasn't used to this. Sure the village ladies occasionally dressed him up as a girl to tease him, but to do it voluntarily? Felis figured that it was only a matter of getting used to it and went along with it. Next thing he noticed about himself was that he had blonde hair and black curled horns.

"What now?" Felis asked. Kadra then began to explain the circumstances. "Well aside from being able to detach your head, you have an eldritch horror form and I made your body with nifty manatech, so you have a manatech form. Nonetheless, most demon lords were killed in their eldritch horror form because they didn't listen and thought bigger is better. Then you have beyond human strength, speed and endurance. But your defense is highest. A wyvern could attack you and you would barely have a scratch. Your special ability for that is [Immovable Wall], a skill that makes you virtually invincible, but you cannot attack. You can walk around but fighting wont work. But anyways, you also get your patch of land in the demon realm and can build your own base there. But I also recommend you to build a base in this world. Any spells you need to know have been implanted into your mind. But currently, your first mission is to go to town and find minions who will help you rebuild."

"Interesting. Also I guess I should maybe change my name to save me some trouble." After some thought, Felis thought of a new name: Ephelina.

With that, she began to wander the desert towards the direction she remembered town to be.

 

[Rcticwolf]

Far from Al-Darus at the time of the festival, Sasha and her party sat around the campfire.

“Sasha! I really wanted to stay for the festival, Felis said it would be fun” Misha stated as she looked at her sister.

“I know, but you said Rurra told you soldiers were headed for the town, I had to get our people to safety” she replied

“we should’ve warned them about it though, it would have been the right thing to do” Misha added

“it would have, but after being there for so long, it felt like not all of them truly trusted us, I felt it would be safe if we weren’t there, the soldiers of Aevithia are rather over zealous, who knows what they would have done to Felis and his village if they found us there” Sasha rebutted

“that’s not what Rurra meant, she warned me that they were there for the demon lord, and she said it would be best if we weren’t present, but that can’t be helped, we can go back once the soldiers leave” she sighed but smiled

“that’s right, and when we do I’ll get you some of those cookies you like” Sasha flashed her a rare smile as she patted her sisters head.

Unfortunately for Misha, the festival would not come, after waiting long enough for the soldiers to leave, Sasha brought her people back to the village where they saw the carnage brought on by Aevithia’s soldiers. This outcome really confused the ogres as they couldn’t understand why they would slaughter innocent humans, some began to think that maybe Felis was hiding the newborn demon lord for some reason.

“Misha, I need you to try and find out what Rurra has to say about this” Sasha stated

“Right, I’ll get on it” Misha nodded

After the Acheron clan returned to Al-Darus they took the time to lay everyone one to rest the ogre way, Sasha had put Felis body wrapped in the tapestry in the village church which somehow remained undamaged and buried him under the tree that he spent so much time under during her time there.

“you claimed you were sitting here to watch the village, but I know you were secretly watching us, I don’t understand why but you were, maybe you really didn’t trust us after all? Or perhaps you used it as a getaway from that woman in the village that always chased you around, either way, I hope your soul will be at peace as the tree uses you for support and comfort, good bye old friend” she stated after she buried him and talked about what she knew of him.

 

[Gears]

Dust billowed as Zhriss skipped through the streets of the small town she had been drawn to. She was going to meet her lord today. Ten years working for the Oasis Demon Cult had lead to this- training to become the best servant possible. She had studied demonic summoning, demonic runes, demonic curses- and demonic cleaning. Demons tended to leave messes according to her masters- those that leaned toward war left blood and gore in their wake, so she had prepared special cleaning supplies for those purposes. Rokan salt from the east, Hoshan soaps- anything for her future master.

If her master leaned toward other infernal passions or sins she was likewise prepared- exotic ingredients and spices for a glutton, Oils and perfumes for the slothful, painting supplies and a skill in poetry for the prideful, gold and treasure for Envy and Greed- she had nothing for the lustful, her teachers had laughed at her blush when they brought that up. Years spent around the debauchery of the cult had barely weathered her shyness toward that subject.

"You sure you can handle the more wrathful stuff for the master?"

Behind her, Crypt trudged in his heavy armor- not caring about the heat. She got a mental impression of Confirmation- the best she could do with a half-translation spell. When she had first joined the armored warrior, she had quickly tried to use a simple linguistic spell- but found it had only worked halfway- barely translating her words and only getting images and emotion from her companion.

His armor still shone despite the weeks spent trudging in the armor- he had never removed it in the time they had traveled, except for when they reached bathing houses and took turns. He was odd like that- never removing the steel helmet or the wolf pelt that descended into a partial cape. He rarely slept, though she thought he was human- or something that could trick her magic somehow.

He carried the majority of their supplies- effortlessly carrying the heavy metal cauldron, the bags of gold- anything to please his Honour. That was all she knew about his service- she had saved his life and now he served her. She still hadn't told him that the reason that the avian demons where so easy to destroy was because she had made them- though she had forgotten to dismiss them afterwards.

Now he followed her wherever she went, carried her burdens- anything she wanted (Or didn't want when they communication magic was weak) he did. An obedient assistant and servant that would lay down his life for her- Neat.

 

[Inkage]

Florian leaned forward, smelling the desert air of where he was planning to one day die. That day would probably be soon, as he was standing in a cart full of people who hated him. He was used to it.

"MmmmMMM! Get a smell of that fresh desert air, eh, fellow cultists?" Florian said, turning in the wagon he was in to look around at the merry band of hooded figures, who had saved him from a group of demon haters. He could almost see their scowls as they regarded him, but he couldn't actually do so on account of their hoods. So he imagined the animosity that must be dripping from their eyes whilst they regarded him.

"You are no follower of the demon lord. Sit back down, blasphemer," said one of the cultists, dragging him by his tied hands into a sitting position. He had the 'darkest' coat on, so Florian assumed he had to be the leader.

"Awwww, come onnnnn...We were all buddy-buddy a moment ago. What gives?" Florian asked, pouting. The reply he received was short.

"You blasphemed against the Demon Lord. You mocked the prophecy. So we are not going to be 'buddy-buddy' anymore." To this, Florian scoffed, smirking. "Who shoved the stick up your arse? All I said was 'you'd be surprised if your 'demon lord' was revived as a nine year old girl'. What, did I hit you right in the prejudice?" The cultists in the cart with him all shuffled angrily, their black cloaks rustling.

"Cease with the chatter, wicked one. The only thing you accomplish is to make your punishment steeper."
"That's a real fancy way of saying that you're going to slap me even harder now when we get there. What's my penance got to be, anyway? Do I gotta survive a couple of feathers to the feet? Or maybe I have to listen to your talk for hours at a time. That'd be a real punishment."

The cultist he was talking with almost seemed to inflate with anger. And a bit of smugness. Florian didn't like the smugness.

"Death. We shall sacrifice you, so that your sins will be paid for." Florian's face turned white, and the man laughed with a sick sort of glee, pointing a gloved hand at his prey. The other cultists looked at each other in apparent amusement.

"W-W....What? N-No, wait, hold on! You ain't serious!" Florian yelled, looking wildly around, expecting one of the black hooded figures to jump up and yell 'surprise! Pranked you good, didn't we?'. But nobody did. Instead, the cultist who had been pointing spoke again.

"Be honored," he said with relish, "For your sacrifice will help speed our lord's survival."

"A-And if the Demon Lord....Say, had already been revived? Like, a few minutes ago, maybe?" Florian asked.

"Well...." The cultist took his time in answering, seemingly mulling over the question like he had been asked what his favorite torture method was. Such a hard decision. "Then you shall be a sacrifice that we will offer in gratitude. You will help us prove our loyalty."

"Unholy cow. You are a sick, twisted, son of a-"

Luckily, the head cultist was spared the indignity of hearing whatever insult Florian was in the middle of cooking up, for the cultist driving the horses turned in his seat and addressed them. "Sir, we've hit a small town. Shall we stop to refill our water skeins and victual storage?"
"And let the prisoner go to the bathroom?" Florian added, but one of the cultists smacked him upside the head, and he chose to not say anything more.
The head cultist lowered his hood, revealing a scarred and pockmarked visage that caused Florian to cringe in fear. "...Yes. Let's stop. We'll all go- except you and the prisoner," he said, turning to one of the cultists and commanding them to guard Florian. Did they really think one dude would stop him?

...Even Florian had to admit that, yes, one man was perfectly capable of keeping a tied up Demon in check. Not that any of them knew he was a demon.

So all the other cultists hopped out of the cart as it came to a stop in a small village. It gave Florian time to consider his options, which he had none of, so instead he used the time to consider his fate.

Why the hell did I antagonize them? I was safe for once...Now I'm probably going to die in some sweaty cultist's basement. Oh, if my mother saw me now...

"Where even are we?" Florian snapped at the cultist after thinking himself in circles. The cultist left to watch him shrugged, and said, "Some town west of Al-Darus, I think. Our final destination is one of our hidden cathedrals. You wouldn't believe how much the church hates our kind. Or I suppose you would, seeing as you're a blasphemer. But either way- we need a lot of hidden places to worship so those damned 'holier-than-thou' knights don't find us. Not that you need to know where we're going."

Florian sighed as the cultist continued, seemingly rambling.

"Some fancy festival is supposed to be going on today. It's a shame we're too damned to go, right? Can't be tainting the holy festival," He laughed, while Florian rolled his eyes. "Better than being executed," He said with a heavy breath. The cultist only shrugged in response to this. So the silence hung between them once again.

....This was not one of Florian's better conundrums. At least he had an escape route in those. But if he tried to run, he'd only be caught...

...It was better than not trying at all. Almost as if it was a formality, both men moved at once; Florian scrambled to get to his feet, and the other man stood to stop him. But as Florian flung himself from the cart, the cultist missed his neck by a hairsbreadth, and the demon hit the ground running.

What form of dumbass doesn't tie up a prisoner's feet? Florian thought gratefully, booking it as the cultist pursued him, keeping pace. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to run with one's hands tied, so while Florian normally would have left the cultist in the dust, he could almost feel the distance closing between the two of them.

"HELP! HEEELLLPPP!" He yelled, screaming bloody murder. "I'M BEING KIDNAPPED!" Florian heard the cultist growl in frustration behind him as the attention of several people was caught. "DON'T BELIEVE HIM! HE'S A DANGEROUS FUGITIVE, AND HE WILL KILL YOUR FAMILIES!" The cultist yelled back. "LIES AND SLANDER!" bickered Florian. Either way, the villagers stayed out of the way.

What!? What's a guy got to do to get helped around here!? Heartless bunch of peons....

Fresh out of ideas, all Florian could do was run the race until the cultist eventually caught up with him.

Or until he accidentally ran into any of the cultist's other friends. Florian almost forgot about them. Almost.

 

[D4thBl0ss0m]

Days. Weeks. Months? How much time had gone by since Morgan last been to the capital? At this point she wasn't sure what they had her mission be anymore. Honestly she felt they were trying to get rid of her with her following in her mentor's footsteps. Question authority, question the wills of those with power, etc etc. It wasn't her fault that that the various paladins and knights were known for killing a few people that were less than deserving and it certainly wasn't ordained under mission guidelines.

Whatever the case may be she kept going from village to village providing aid where she was needed and today she was needed. As she reached a group of tunnels leading to other villages she saw the group of people running towards her and they looked... horrified. As the last villagers passed she grabbed one and spoke in a soft tone, one that didn't not match her knightly appearance. "What goes on? Why do you flee?"

The scared villager looked behind him and saw a lone paladin running towards the villagers, the villager just pointed out of fear. Morgan nodded as she understood the issue at hand and let go of the villager quickly unsheathing her sword. Her magic coursing through her, quickening her speed and in a flash she held the sword the paladins throat. "Explain yourself."

The paladin held his hands up, showing no signs of attacking Morgan but he was inching slowly trying to pass her. "The demon lord was to be reborn, those villagers could be him and we need to figure out who so they can be purged." While he spoke clearly he also spoke with slight doubt like even he didn't believe the information.

Holding the blade up Morgan looked back at the villagers, debating her new mission but as she looked away the lone paladin attempted to grab the weapon away by the blade and dropped to his knees, screaming in pain. The enchantment bestowed upon the metals made those unworthy of Hars honor drop to their knees, rarely does it happen but on the few occasions it does hatred fills the air. A single word was uttered as the paladins head was swiftly detached. "Blasphemer."

Turning back to the villagers she swiftly followed, keeping an eye on them, keeping an eye out for the demon lord but nothing seemed out the ordinary, just frightened people. She escorted them at a distance until she eventually came upon a village where she heard screaming.

"HELP! HEEELLLPPP!" He yelled, screaming bloody murder. "I'M BEING KIDNAPPED!" Florian heard the cultist growl in frustration behind him as the attention of several people was caught. "DON'T BELIEVE HIM! HE'S A DANGEROUS FUGITIVE, AND HE WILL KILL YOUR FAMILIES!" The cultist yelled back. "LIES AND SLANDER!" bickered Florian. Either way, the villagers stayed out of the way.

Without hesitation Morgan rushed over to see the commotion and saw an odd sight. A robed figure holding what looked to be an Ogre prisoner. This figure wasn't of any holy that's for sure, he'd have some sort of righteousness to him be it through mannerism or appearance but this cloaked figure seemed the opposite. Enhancing her speed again and her durability, she watched the race for a moment before imposing herself between Florian and the cultist, acting as a brick wall that suddenly appeared.

With force the cultist ended on the ground but Morgan focused her attention on Florian and something was off. She was sure he was Ogre but maybe he wasn't? But if that's the case why would a robed figure, presumably a cultist, keep a demon prisoner? It was confusing because to Morgan, this prisoner could fit either option, not that she's seen a demon but she knows Ogre's can sometimes be confused for demons.

Keeping her attention on Florian, she grabbed the cultist by the collar and spoke to Florian like nothing was wrong. Her magic keeping a shell of durability to her, she made sure to be safe in case someone were to retaliate back at her, she couldn't take any chances. "Is this man a cultist?"

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

In the desert with the burning village in sight, Felis asked: "What now?" The voice of Kadra rang in their ears: "Well, how about you give yourself a new name as you are no long Felis the priest. Secondly, I shall give you your first quest: Make a base, because you will conquer an An-Atsura." "Conquer? Well, I am not the type for bloodshed." Felis answered. Kadra replied: "That's what they all say. But it is up to you how you will conquer the land. Now have you a name for yourself?"

Felis gave it thought. Due to his current feminine appearance, he considered giving himself a female name. "How about Ephelina? I kind of like the ring of that name somehow." They said. Kadra approved: "Splended idea. Anyways in regard to your base, I forgot a vital detail. Since you are demon lord, you already have your own land. That land is the demon realm. Though it has been in chaos due to being leaderless for over 100 years. You should build a palace and name a right hand demon pretty quickly." Kadra then teleported Ephelina to the demon realm.

They were suddenly in an open field in the middle of a forested area. In the night sky, there were two moons, one of which had a red hue. "Here we are! This is the sight of past palaces and future palaces. Now put those spells I have implanted into your mind and make a basic structure as your palace. And maybe summon someone to protect and tend to it." Kadra said.

Ephelina imagined a small mansion and the spell came to her mind in an instant. With the wave of her hand, an An-Atsuran style mansion rose out of the ground. Ephelina then thought about the spell to summon the minion and summoned something. But the minion didn't seem to be anything that could really protect the mansion. It was a pastel colored cat minion.


"Oh shit." Kadra uttered. Ephelina then said: "Huh? What was that?" "It's just that summoned minions depend on the demon lord. Yours seems quite non-threatening." Kadra said. Ephelina crossed her arms and said: "Then can Akusha be reborn as a demon? If she has to be my subordinate to be reborn, so be it. Out of all those who died in the village, I'd prefer her to be reborn first." "That can be done. Think of her and put your energy into your hands and I will do the rest." Kadra said.

Ephelina did so and out of a black smoke, Akusha appeared. However she had red eyes and horns. "What? What happened? Last think I remember was my consciousness fading after being beheaded." Akusha said. She noticed Ephelina and said: "I feel somehow compelled to follow you. I am guessing you gave me new life." "Akusha, it's me Felis. I have been reborn as the demon lord or rather I accepted the role in hopes to protect the survivors of the village." Ephelina said. Akusha in disbelief said: "Funny joke, but you look nothing like Felis."

Ephelina approached Akusha and touched her shoulder and said: "I am not joking. You remember you asked me if I'd ever marry and I said I would consider it?" Tears began to run down Akusha's cheeks: "Felis? It's you?" She began to hug Ephelina. Her grip was very strong. "Akusha, you are hugging a bit strong. Also can you call me Ephelina from now on? New form, new name. Right? I will be Ephelina Kadraki." Ephelina said. Akusha then said: "I will then be Akusha Kadraki. Wife of the demon lord and right hand woman!" The declaration made Ephelina kind of uncomfortable: "How about right hand demon first and maybe with time we can consider a romantic relationship? I think I have a lot ahead of me. Can I trust taking care of the palace, well currently the mansion to you?" Akusha nodded happily, but as Ephelina wanted to go Akusha wouldn't let go: "Take me with you. Don't leave me alone, my lord. :3"

Ephelina relented: "Okay, but please act normal and no teasing, especially when others are present. Okay?" Akusha nodded. In the next moment, they teleported and ended up in Al-Darus village where they noticed that the corpses had been buried already. The only soul they saw there was an ogre. The ogre looked familiar. "Isn't that Miss Sasha?" Akusha blurted out possibly loud enough for the ogre to hear.

 

[Inkage]

Without hesitation Morgan rushed over to see the commotion and saw an odd sight. A robed figure holding what looked to be an Ogre prisoner. This figure wasn't of any holy that's for sure, he'd have some sort of righteousness to him be it through mannerism or appearance but this cloaked figure seemed the opposite. Enhancing her speed again and her durability, she watched the race for a moment before imposing herself between Florian and the cultist, acting as a brick wall that suddenly appeared.

With force the cultist ended on the ground but Morgan focused her attention on Florian.

Keeping her attention on Florian, she grabbed the cultist by the collar and spoke to Florian like nothing was wrong. Her magic keeping a shell of durability to her, she made sure to be safe in case someone were to retaliate back at her. "Is this man a cultist?"

Running, running, running. Florian couldn't keep it up much longer, and eventually, his legs gave out. Falling into the dust, he let out a rather vile curse that his mother definitely wouldn't have approved of.

Lifting his head to look at his captor, Florian found that he was not about to die. In fact, a rather brave and attractive young woman had stepped between him and the bonkers-mad cultist. Apparently, she had just bonked him into a rather peaceful sleep, for he wasn't moving in the grip of the redhead. Florian comprehended what was going on and smiled, sighing in relief at the ground. He also might've cried a little. But he'd never admit it.

He thanked her in the most masculine and dignified way possible

"I-I thought I was going to....going....to die! Oh my gods! Th-Thank you-!" Florian yelled out, sobbing at her feet. He sat there for a few minutes, until he finally collected himself, finally strong enough to stand without shaking.

".....You didn't see that," Florian said, fixing his bangs (because those tend to get so out of place while one runs), and regarding the knight-like figure with curiosity. She asked him a question.

"Is this man a cultist?" She asked, eyeing Florian in what surely had to be an admiring way, and not a wary way. Actually- scratch that, Florian was fine with wariness. He was incredibly intimidating, if he did say so himself.

"Him? Oh yeah- big ol' heretic and everything. He, uh...He said that he could beat Hars in an arm wrestle," Florian said casually, shaking his head and putting on an expression of contempt. "And he asked if Aevith has stretch marks from all that childbirth she's been doing. Toe curling blasphemy," He said, the corners of hi lips twitching.

Meanwhile, in his head, he was still running. That cultist had friends, and they'd be pissed if they found out Florian had sicced a fiery redhead on them. So he wondered how he could escape without immediately being caught up with.

"Yeah- they picked me up while I was trying to get to....umm...." Florian cast around for a plausible destination, as he hadn't actually wanted to go anywhere. "Right- I remember. I was trying to get to...Al-Darus! I was going to that fancy festival, y'know? But then I got picked up by a bunch of racists. They saw my musculature and assumed that only a God or Demon could get such a magnificent build- so they picked me up. Or it might've been the horns that confused them- sometimes I've thought of sawing them off, y'know? Way too many people assume Ogre's are Demons. It sucks. Like majorly."

Florian turned, not even sure which direction Al-Darus was from the town. "Of course, I'm pretty turned around now," he said, sighing in an overly dramatic manner. "And not to mention that cultist you've got there- he's one of many. There's a whole cart full of them- and they all hate me (Although how anyone could hate someone as charming as me is beyond me). So now they'll hate you for helping me. Maybe you'd like to come with me, then? I can pay you," Florian lied again. He had next to no money to his name, but did she need to know that? No.

Extending a hand, Florian grinned with his typical roguish style. "I'm Florian. Let's say we seal the deal, huh? Your protection for any compensation I can provide. Deal? Or are you going to let someone wander in the wild alone, doomed to die at the hands of bloodthirsty heretics?"

 

[Rcticwolf]

In the desert with the burning village in sight, Felis asked: "What now?" The voice of Kadra rang in their ears: "Well, how about you give yourself a new name as you are no long Felis the priest. Secondly, I shall give you your first quest: Make a base, because you will conquer an An-Atsura." "Conquer? Well, I am not the type for bloodshed." Felis answered. Kadra replied: "That's what they all say. But it is up to you how you will conquer the land. Now have you a name for yourself?"

Felis gave it thought. Due to his current feminine appearance, he considered giving himself a female name. "How about Ephelina? I kind of like the ring of that name somehow." They said. Kadra approved: "Splended idea. Anyways in regard to your base, I forgot a vital detail. Since you are demon lord, you already have your own land. That land is the demon realm. Though it has been in chaos due to being leaderless for over 100 years. You should build a palace and name a right hand demon pretty quickly." Kadra then teleported Ephelina to the demon realm.

They were suddenly in an open field in the middle of a forested area. In the night sky, there were two moons, one of which had a red hue. "Here we are! This is the sight of past palaces and future palaces. Now put those spells I have implanted into your mind and make a basic structure as your palace. And maybe summon someone to protect and tend to it." Kadra said.

Ephelina imagined a small mansion and the spell came to her mind in an instant. With the wave of her hand, an An-Atsuran style mansion rose out of the ground. Ephelina then thought about the spell to summon the minion and summoned something. But the minion didn't seem to be anything that could really protect the mansion. It was a pastel colored cat minion.
View attachment 1231180

"Oh shit." Kadra uttered. Ephelina then said: "Huh? What was that?" "It's just that summoned minions depend on the demon lord. Yours seems quite non-threatening." Kadra said. Ephelina crossed her arms and said: "Then can Akusha be reborn as a demon? If she has to be my subordinate to be reborn, so be it. Out of all those who died in the village, I'd prefer her to be reborn first." "That can be done. Think of her and put your energy into your hands and I will do the rest." Kadra said.

Ephelina did so and out of a black smoke, Akusha appeared. However she had red eyes and horns. "What? What happened? Last think I remember was my consciousness fading after being beheaded." Akusha said. She noticed Ephelina and said: "I feel somehow compelled to follow you. I am guessing you gave me new life." "Akusha, it's me Felis. I have been reborn as the demon lord or rather I accepted the role in hopes to protect the survivors of the village." Ephelina said. Akusha in disbelief said: "Funny joke, but you look nothing like Felis."

Ephelina approached Akusha and touched her shoulder and said: "I am not joking. You remember you asked me if I'd ever marry and I said I would consider it?" Tears began to run down Akusha's cheeks: "Felis? It's you?" She began to hug Ephelina. Her grip was very strong. "Akusha, you are hugging a bit strong. Also can you call me Ephelina from now on? New form, new name. Right? I will be Ephelina Kadraki." Ephelina said. Akusha then said: "I will then be Akusha Kadraki. Wife of the demon lord and right hand woman!" The declaration made Ephelina kind of uncomfortable: "How about right hand demon first and maybe with time we can consider a romantic relationship? I think I have a lot ahead of me. Can I trust taking care of the palace, well currently the mansion to you?" Akusha nodded happily, but as Ephelina wanted to go Akusha wouldn't let go: "Take me with you. Don't leave me alone, my lord. :3"

Ephelina relented: "Okay, but please act normal and no teasing, especially when others are present. Okay?" Akusha nodded. In the next moment, they teleported and ended up in Al-Darus village where they noticed that the corpses had been buried already. The only soul they saw there was an ogre. The ogre looked familiar. "Isn't that Miss Sasha?" Akusha blurted out possibly loud enough for the ogre to hear.

Despite them only seeing Sasha to begin with, the rest of the Acheron clan, including some humans from the village who had joined with the clan as they had married and bore children with some of the clan ogres. The clan gathered around Sasha, curious about the strangers that have approached the village and uttered her name.

“I’m sorry, but do we know you? You don’t look familiar to us? And why are you trespassing on this grave site?” Misha asked as she looked at the two, loud enough for the two demons to hear.

“now Misha, they don’t know what happened here, so just relax, why don’t you go see if everyone is ready to return home, see if anything can be salvaged. And be ready just in case.” Sasha stated, then whispered that last part.

As Misha nodded and turned around to get the clan ready for departure, Sasha turned to face the two demons. “so yes as my sister has asked, do we know you? Clearly you know me as you called to me, and if you aren’t aware this village was just slaughtered by paladins of the Aevith faith thinking they were harboring the new demon lord, which they were not, these people were the only ones to show my clan any kindness and they were killed for it” she stated, embellishing the truth a bit, not knowing who they really were

 

[Gears]

The pair continued on their way, following Zhriss's senses. Her slow change into a demonic creature had some effects on her mind- making her more prone to anger and violence, and sensing powerful demons. Minor demons such as what she would become had an intense desire to seek out major demons, to serve them. She feared that her mind would change far more than her masters had told her- there where always secrets. She could remember that night when her fate had been decided by the demon lords that watched the cult, deciding her skill as a servant would prove better for the new lord.

Weeks of travel had followed, and it had been miserable. Crypt seem to have no concept of cold so she often had to remind him to start a fire for longer than the stews he usually made at night. Her job was the breakfast, they swapped lunches every other day- a good system for travel. She almost wished she could take over lunch, since the only thing Crypt knew how to make was his stew- which was admittingly good and practical, but a bit boring. She once again saw the shadows watching the pair as they walked further into the confines of the streets.

"these thieves are awful"

The shadows shifted as she spoke- hearing her words. Zhriss spun around as they emerged- four weak men, lead by one less starved than the rest. The yellowed teeth and sores spoke of a lack of nutrition. Zhriss felt that distant hunger, hiding in the shadows and looking for scraps. It had been a while since she had starved like that, but she could see why these scumbags would attack her- an easy target.

Zhriss raised the small wand she kept to her side. The dark wood had been cracked and curved, a bit damaged from when she had retrieved the branch from the demon realm. The thieves flinched as she pointed the weapon at them, a crimson glow emanating from the end. They relaxed when the spark fizzled out.

“Oh come on.”

Zhriss hit the weapon a few times as the thieves stalked forward, drawing daggers as she looked behind her. Crypt was nowhere to be seen- a bit ago he had been looking at a garden- maybe he could add some new spices and ingredients to the stew while she was robbed. After a moment, the wand began to glow once more.

“FLAMES OF DESTRUCTION!”

The runes that covered the wood lit up before heat filled the alleyway, launching into the first thug. Bright light struck the man, blinding the others. Zhriss spun around and performed a few Non-Verbal spells. Shadow struck the second man, wreathing him in a vortex of shadows- Vile Tempest. Green light hit the ground under another- causing vines to erupt from the ground and wrap around him. Prison of Vines.

Zhriss laughed and spun the wand in her hand- cursing as it fell onto the ground. She quickly picked up the weapon before hearing the wand spark and flare. The runes that covered the ground distorted- and the thugs shifted. The fireball was reduced to just the light component- leaving the thief tanned and blinded. The one surrounded with shadow vomited on the ground- as the spell split in half to- Vile. Similar effects affected the second, the vines becoming a steel cage- at least something worked.

The tanned thief rushed Zhriss, who shrieked and threw the nearest thing at him- her wand. A rogue flare of light launched from the arcane device, striking the second man and launching him into a wall.

Zhriss summoned a small rune on her hand- covering her arm in red viens with the wandless casting. She whispered a spell, something to get her out of the chaos. Lightning sprouted from the item, before the thug sprung forward and punched her. Zhriss hit the ground, hand reaching instinctively to the man as she fell- leaving a reflection of the spell on his arm. The man shook his hand as the rune began to light up, before he disappeared. At least half of him did.
The mans top half thumped onto the roof behind Zhriss, lifeless. The legs fell over as Zhriss covered her mouth, staring at the carnage.
She shivered a bit at the corpse, kneeling by the body she found the spell. The reflection was distorted, the human figure in the center split in half by a scratch. Perhaps she could manipulate this- make the center figure shift to affect an opponent in some way. Surprisingly, the spell had worked other than the accidental tearing- if she could work carefully, she could perfect this. She picked up the wand as the last thug groaned from where he had crashed, apparently the force of his throw magically enhanced.

A moment later, she heard clanking footsteps- Crypt was back. Zhriss spun around to see the armored man tapping the body with a gauntleted hand before looking at Zhriss.

“on Yeah- I killed these assholes. If we are going to work for the lord of darkness it's not going to be sunshines and... Oh come on."

She saw a few flowers crypt had found- gathered in his hand, a few peaking from his cloak. I swear- this moron ditched me and was gathering flowers? At least they aren't too disgusting- that violent one is a bit gothic- perfect. She accepted the proffered flower and tucked it into her dress

 

[D4thBl0ss0m]

All the words Florian spoke admittedly confused Morgan, not because she didn't understand but because she couldn't grasp how someone could spout out so many words while getting the point across that this man is a cultist and what was happening. It wasn't until she heard there were a cart full of the cultists that it rang out what could happen. Looking around she saw the villagers standing around, some from Al-Darus, some from this one then she looked back at the cultist. With a heavy sigh she smacked the cultist in the back of the head with the pommel of her weapon and left them on the ground.

Turning to Florian she pointed to the tunnels she came from, speaking softly. "Al-Darus is that way. Let's go." While she knew the people of Al-Darus were attacked she never bothered to ask or figure out what happened, for all she knew there might be a festival still going on. Doubtful but she doesn't care, she's actually more curious as to why paladins were there and attacking innocents, it'd be better if she witnessed the issue firsthand. The fleeing villagers whispered of the demon lord but without any confirmation she couldn't believe it and the demon lord's birth should be felt by many, they're supposed to be insanely powerful.

Sheathing her sword Morgan began walking towards the tunnels, the journey wasn't quick but they'd get there safe. "If you wanna stay safe ogre then hurry up." Her stride wasn't fast but it wasn't a slow and casual speed, she walked with a purpose as if she had a mission planned.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Akusha managed to answer before Ephi: "Do you not recognize me, Miss Sasha? It's me Akusha! I am from Al-Darus. We were there when the paladins attacked and were killed. But by miracle, we were reborn. At least Felis was first, then at the request of Felis to our god I was reborn too. And yes, the village didn't know anything about the demon lord thing. We didn't either. But we can say that the massacre of the village triggered the rebirth of the demon lord."

Then Akusha had an idiotic answer with an idiotic brain fart: "Behold foolish ogres! Felis, reborn as Ephelina, the new Lemon Lord!" Ephi couldn't help but giggle a little, but at the same time was a bit embarassed. "Akusha, can you let me speak for a moment?" Ephelina said. Akusha bowed and said: "Of course, my lord... or lady? Which are you? Did you turn into a she? Or do you still have that down there?"

Ephelina winked and said: "Maybe I am male, maybe I am female. I could be both. Usually, the role is a male. But I seem to have a chest. How about I leave it up to your imagination?" Ephelina's response broke Akusha a little. She was visible confused. Ephelina then turned to Sasha. "Sasha, of the Acherion clan, I am Ephelina Kadraki, the new demon lord and formerly the priest of Al-Darus known as Felis. I don't intend to cause any harm. Rather my becoming of the demon lord is highly circumstantial. I faced the decision of either become the new demon lord or have someone else become it who would be far worse. I do not hate the non-demons and do not intend to cause any bloodshed. I'd rather conquer hearts than conquer lands by force."

Ephi turned to Akusha: "You should maybe return to the mansion in case the situation turns volatile. It is for your own protection." Akusha protested: "I don't wanna. I want to stay with you." "There is that cat minion I summoned at the mansion. You should go." Ephi said. Akusha still refused. Ephelina's patience ran thin as there wasn't much time. In their polite and friendly way, Ephelina made a command: "Akusha dear, please don't refuse. It is for your own good. Please go to the mansion. This is a command. I will call you when it's safe."

Akusha felt an overwhelming pressure as Ephelina said that and had no choice but abide. She then nodded and used a portal spell to return to the demon realm. The demonic aura of Ephelina could be felt by every living being within the vicinity as Ephelina had issued that command.

 

[Rcticwolf]

Sasha looked at Ephelina and Akusha, her face remaining just as expressionless as Felis remembers. But she was very confused inwardly.

Just as the two new people arrived after Ephelina and Akusha, the rest of the Acheron tribe had walked out of the houses and made their way behind Sasha as they felt the unmistakable presence Ephelina let off.

“Sasha, I don’t like the feeling of this, I’m worried about those two” Misha stated as she pointed to Ephelina and Akusha before Akusha vanished

“agreed, just be on your guard Misha, see if you can get the clan to safety just in case, and be ready with your healing” Sasha stated as her hand rested on the hilt of her blade, which Misha and Felis knew that she would only draw it if she intended to kill with it.

“well Miss Ephelina Kadraki, I’m afraid I do not see how you could be Felis, Felis is a man for one, not a woman, and Felis is dead, I had just buried him in a place he enjoyed in his life, and I would really appreciate it if you would leave before your presence causes pain for those that have fallen here and those that mourn them” she stated as her clan were walking away from the area while guided by Misha.

 

[Inkage]

Florian flinched as Morgan dropped the cultist on the ground. He had expected her to at least shake his hand- but instead she just seemed to assume everything was already a done deal. Fair enough. This meant that Florian wasn't obligated to actually pay her. He smirked.

"Sweet! You won't regret this, I swear! It'll be great-!" Florian said, trotting behind his new companion and humming. "Y'know, you're a real firey girl, ain't ya? No hesitation at all- I like it. But maybe you could tell me your name, hmm? Can I at least get that?"

Florian stepped ahead of Morgan, walking backwards in front of her. "Real bold of you to tell me to hurry up. I could double this pace with my eyes closed, sugar." He smiled, tilting his head at her. "Are you usually this cold towards new traveling companions? That's not a good way to make friends," Florian continued chatting, greedily analyzing his new companions face.

It was a highly intimidating face; stoic, and seemingly unfeeling. He always thought redheads were sort of spacey, but there was definitely a grounded quality to her.

D4thBl0ss0m

 

[D4thBl0ss0m]

Staring ahead towards the tunnels as she walked Morgan did her best to not stare at Florian but with him being directly in front that became a difficulty she never knew existed. The compliments, the confidence that Florian spouted slowly gave her the idea that she was now traveling with a charlatan and all she could think about now was how to get him to be quiet. Can't ignore him, he'll likely try to bring a conversation, don't want to talk to him.

'I guess it can't be helped.' With a sigh she spoke quietly to Florian. "Firey? I wouldn't know. Name? You can call me Nomad, everyone else already does." Looking past Florian, she saw the tunnel entrance in the distance, wishing it would come sooner. "I'm not trying to make friends just like you can't see if there's a rock in your way. Don't trip, you're in my way." After saying that Morgan made herself more aware of the ground and did her absolute best to not let Florian impede her movement.

As the two walked it wasn't until the tunnel entrance where things felt... off. While she couldn't feel the demonic aura the demon lord gave or even "sense" anything demonic she had a moment of unease. A gut feeling that something bad was likely to come and that worried her, even showing a bit on her face. The bad feeling put her on edge and she looked around hesitantly, not wanting to reenter the tunnel she had already came through prior. Rubbing her bad arm, she stepped forward, determined to see things through.

"Ignore the dead paladin as we pass through." Morgan spoke as if what she said was completely normal and not at all a thing of concern.

Inkage

 

[Gears]

Zhriss rubbed her head as Crypt trudged behind her, his battle axe gripped in his hand as they moved. He had tried to carry her after the battle taxed her energy, but she had stubbornly resisted- not wanting the lug's life debt to run out any time soon. She didn't completely understand how the deal worked, he had protected her for a few years without relenting.

Every step was arduous, as if she was wearing armor as heavy as Crypts. She sometimes expected that it was decoration- but it held up well against enemies. He always wore it, with enough expertise and ease that it seemed impossible. One step after another. She had to stay in town, search for her master. It was clear that they would arrive in this village- and Zhriss would be ready. The best way to view the area would be a room in the inn near the main roads- The Fiends Feast.

The building was larger than most inns, a second and third floor extending to the sky, the rooftop empty. A few of the windows where shattered, allowing light to pour out with raucous laughter and music. Zhriss barely had time to duck as form was tossed out of the door, a large human sighing before shutting the door.

Zhriss motioned for Crypt to open the door, following behind tentatively. The tables where filled, particularly around the bar where drinks flowed around a man telling stories to any who would listen- and accept his free drinks. Zhriss was hungry, part of her nature. The seven sins weighed on her- her lusts to fulfill them intensified. She always felt a pang of hunger- the rest where more rare. When exposed to blood, she felt immense bloodlust. When she saw gold- Envy and greed filled her. When she was without sleep, she may faint.

Zhriss sat down at an empty seat, while Crypt carried their belongings in the cheap room they had bought on the top floor. I was cold, but temperature didn't matter for either of them. She looked at the bag of gold that contained her offering- maybe she could spend a little on food.

A bit later, Zhriss devoured another plate of food, snapping the bones to consume the marrow, tossing them aside before eating more. The hunger tore through her, as if something was feeding on her- and it would kill her if she didn't give more. Patrons looked at her in disgust, but the owner smiled- she had already bought five plates of food, so he was happy to let her eat more.

Her eyes where glued on the card games in the corner- and she shot towards the gold, the game.

"Sorry missy- you look to green to play here."

Zhriss raged underneath, staring at the gold that was piled on the table. She reached in her bag and dropped half of the money she had brought, staring at the gold with an intense desire- a passion. When crypt found her she was surrounded with gold and food- the other players grumbling as she collected more, eyes taking a shining cast. She had more to give her master, maybe she could clean out the entire room with her luck. Just one more round.

 

[Inkage]

Florian frowned at Nomad's quiet answer, but then grinned again at the slight flicker of annoyance that crossed her face for only an instant before being wiped again. He loved that look on people.

"If that's your real name, I'm a demon's uncle," he said, sighing dramatically again. "Is there something in my face you don't trust? I'm, like, the most innocent guy I know!" Turning, Florian missed the comment about there being a rock and promptly fell on his face while tripping over it.

"Oh-! Damn, girl, could you give a guy a warning next time?" He said, picking himself off the ground gingerly and looking at his scraped hands. He wasn't bleeding but it hurt. Realizing belatedly that she did warn him, Florian added, "Maybe you could've told me more than a second before I hit it? Hmm?"

He sighed (this time in pain, not dramatically), and continued walking. In tripping, he had fallen behind, and thus ran slightly to catch up with her. Florian didn't walk in front of her anymore, but instead kept up the rear. This was when he was hit with a terrifying aura.

Florian froze in his tracks, and even Nomad (Whom Florian assumed wasn't a demon) seemed a bit taken aback. She hesitated, and Florian looked around wildly. He sensed...something. Probably a demon- but with what Florian was feeling, it was likely a powerful one, with plenty of kills. He gulped in fear. Nomad pressed on, apparently deciding that the tunnel was worth the risk. Florian was not so convinced, but at least the cultists likely wouldn't follow.
Thinking of them, Florian would rather risk the demon. He ran after Nomad, saying "H-Hey, are you sure there isn't, like, an alternate route, or-? N-Not that I'm saying..." Florian trailed off, interrupted by Nomad

"Ignore the dead paladin as we pass through."

Florian actually wasn't that perturbed by the idea of a body- but rather by the idea that Nomad had killed someone. "...Uh, alright. But, uh....What did he do to offend you? Ask for your real name?" He laughed at his own jest.

Florian trotted inside, the body staring at him with glossy eyes. Florian took a glance at it and then continued walking. The cave was surprisingly smooth, like people walked this way often. He gulped, staying behind Morgan and looking behind himself all the time. He couldn't shake the intense aura that pervaded the tunnel.

What kind of creature could be emitting an aura this big...? What kind of demon has this powerful a prescence?

Florian had slight suspicions- had the cultists been right in believing in a demon lord?

He shook his head, dismissing the idea. There was little chance a demon lord would be born in the current age. No reason for it.

D4thBl0ss0m

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Of course Sasha wouldn't believe her. Felis had been murdered in cold blood and the same soul had gotten a different body. Ephelina gave Sasha a smile and said: "I know that it is hard to believe that after I was decapitated and killed along with my kin that I was reborn as the demon lord. Since you say you buried my body in a play I enjoyed in life, I take it you buried my body under the tree near the church. And I can't say whether I am a man or a woman in this body, but I have this appearance because Kadra mistook Felis for a woman and therefore gave this body a feminine appearance."

Ephelina began to step towards Sasha: "I however cannot leave this place. I need to see off my fallen kin and pray. If you can guide me to their graves? If not, I shall pray in the church. If you attack me, I won't fight back or need to defend myself as I don't want to harm you. So I politely ask you to guide me to the graves or please move out of my way." Ephelina then chanted as a security measure: "Immovable Wall" which steeled her defense greatly at the cost of attack power and unbeknownst to her it greatly amplified the aura she had been trying to mask to not alarm anyone.

Meanwhile back at the mansion in the demon realm, Akusha had a pouty face. "What's wrong with him or her or I don't know? In this body, I should be able to hold my own against humans and ogres. What do you think?" She said to the minion Ephelina had summoned earlier. The pastel blue and pink colored cat like minion crawled to her and looked up at her and said in the cutest little voice: "Master cares for us and doesn't want harm to come to us. They have their reasons. It is their way of showing us affection." "Affection? So Ephelina does love me? Of course, harm coming to me would make my beloved sad. She is such a kind and loving soul. Even as a human, Felis was caring." Akusha said with hearts in her eyes as she ran her hand through the minion's soft fluffy fur.

 

[Gears]

Hours past in the chaotic orgy of food and gambling- luckily the usual definition of the word didn't occur, even after Zhriss got into the wine. She had never had wine before, only a lowly servant. She only deserved a portion of food- not even the food she had baked when working the kitchens. That food tasted far too good for one of her station- especially with the cults usual expensive ingredients. It was wonderful- the food was nowhere near the quality she had made for the cult, but in her drunken state of passionate hunger, it could have been a feast fit for a demon lord. She barely noticed as one man at the table's dice appeared to slightly change- the slight scratch on the six disapeering after he reached into his pocket. The others didn't seem to care so she smiled and started another round.
...
Zhriss was still singing a barsong as Crypt carried her to their room, surprisingly gentle as he placed her in the middle of the bed. She laughed a bit in a slurred voice, before rolling over. Crypt carefully moved her on her side so she would not choke on vomit. She was so far gone at this point that it was hard to remember where she was. That Globian Ale was infamous for it's potency. She looked at Crypt, that rare desire blossoming in her mind- the others where largely fulfilled. Hours of gambling and winning had helped with Pride, Envy, and Greed. The indulgence of food satisfied Gluttony, and she would get plenty of sleep for sloth. Something else wanted her servant to do something.

"Why not.. You get in this bed? It's very cold... In here."

Her words where so slurred it was hard for a normal person to understand, harder for one who could barley understand a few words. She conveyed a desire to be warm, and the armored warrior looked confused- it was odd how exaggerated his body language was. He seemed to consider what she was saying before nodding, and digging into his bag. Inside he kept a strange contraption that was a sort of mobile farm. It was around the size of her cauldron, and covered in glass. Strange plants grew within, now expanded with the magic of a wizard she had hired as a gift for him. Familiar plants now joined the collection, but he searched for the ones that where tinged blue- what she guessed was from his homeland. He pulled a strange root from the bag, wiping dirt off with a rag before snapping it a bit- allowing a hiss of air to escape before handing it to her. The air around her quickly heated up, supernaturally fast. Her drunken state slowly gave into Sloth, her eyes growing droopy as she stared at the man before falling asleep.

 

[Rcticwolf]

Of course Sasha wouldn't believe her. Felis had been murdered in cold blood and the same soul had gotten a different body. Ephelina gave Sasha a smile and said: "I know that it is hard to believe that after I was decapitated and killed along with my kin that I was reborn as the demon lord. Since you say you buried my body in a play I enjoyed in life, I take it you buried my body under the tree near the church. And I can't say whether I am a man or a woman in this body, but I have this appearance because Kadra mistook Felis for a woman and therefore gave this body a feminine appearance."

Ephelina began to step towards Sasha: "I however cannot leave this place. I need to see off my fallen kin and pray. If you can guide me to their graves? If not, I shall pray in the church. If you attack me, I won't fight back or need to defend myself as I don't want to harm you. So I politely ask you to guide me to the graves or please move out of my way." Ephelina then chanted as a security measure: "Immovable Wall" which steeled her defense greatly at the cost of attack power and unbeknownst to her it greatly amplified the aura she had been trying to mask to not alarm anyone.

Meanwhile back at the mansion in the demon realm, Akusha had a pouty face. "What's wrong with him or her or I don't know? In this body, I should be able to hold my own against humans and ogres. What do you think?" She said to the minion Ephelina had summoned earlier. The pastel blue and pink colored cat like minion crawled to her and looked up at her and said in the cutest little voice: "Master cares for us and doesn't want harm to come to us. They have their reasons. It is their way of showing us affection." "Affection? So Ephelina does love me? Of course, harm coming to me would make my beloved sad. She is such a kind and loving soul. Even as a human, Felis was caring." Akusha said with hearts in her eyes as she ran her hand through the minion's soft fluffy fur.

Sasha gripped her sword tighter “you will leave this place, I will not allow a demon to corrupt this place or those that have fallen here, if you do not leave I’ll will make you, those here have already been prayed for and taken care of by the ogres of my clan, which is far more than you can ever offer, now leave or you will face my fury” she stated, her face showing just a hint of anger.

Sasha then pulled out her blade and held it ready for attack, she made a small chant before the blade began to glow white just before it burst into flames, then without a seconds hesitation she charged at Ephelina with the intent to decapitate the demon that she thought was attempting to corrupt the remains of the village. She didn’t know that the demon was capable of separating her head from her body nor her true intentions, despite being told just that, but she didn’t believe it. Sasha slashed at Ephelina and removed her head from her shoulders.


Back in the demon domain, more specifically in the demon lords palace Devlin walked into the building as he did since he was the previous demon lords most trusted commander. He eventually spotted the strange cat-like creature strolling around. “well now this is interesting, is that a snack for me oh dear Kadra? Hehe well I accept, as this creature does not belong here” he grinned with hungry intent as he pulled out his scythe and began stalking the creature until he spotted Akusha cleaning around the place. “who are you!? How dare you trespass in the demon lords palace, none may enter but the demon lord himself and his most trusted commander, me, now I will give you one chance to explain yourself and surrender yourself to me, or die” he ordered Akusha as he wielded his blade close to her body

 

[BuggaBoo]

☠︎︎​

---

^{'Calli' - Calliope Brillianté Majesty Jones - 'The Crafter Thief'}

​

Meeting a friend then into the Tunnels...

Desert night seemed colder than she remembered. But then again she had never before tried to fly across it to get to her trade destination.

The little thing flashed a grin and giggled gleefully as soon as the pinpricks of light became more like glorious orbs of radiant hope. The city was but mere minutes away and she would be able to land soon! And what better timing? Yes, she was a Skybound Shaman, so water was not a problem to make; there was more than enough sky to dance and re-invorate herself to do incantation. She was, however, down to her last morsels of dried meats. Despite the open sky giving her power, she still ate a lot when she flew for long periods of time. Calli wasn't the strongest caster out there but she was getting better with each passing use of her powers. And it really helped to have Arcanacrafts in her possession.

At the city limits, her cloak went from aerodynamic arrow shape to billowing above her bobblehead, allowing her parachute and land softly upon the rocky surface of the poor excuse of a main road into the city. Breathing hard now, she removed her hood and wiped her striped forehead. The harness around her chin she undid and instantly both her rust-hued triangular ears popped up like tents. Both hands she reached behind her and arched her back, getting a good stretch from nape of neck to tip of tail.

In the distance an orange light flashed several times. It was her contact.

A single gauntlet thrummed, silvery blue light tracing the runes and sigils imbued upon the beloved Arcanacrafted item. Up to her caramel visage she held her gloved hand, palm up. A lone long-lashed lid fell, closing over her yellow eye, leaving her green eye wide and staring intently into her cupped palm. The little Neko whispered into her palm and as she did, her breath collected in her hand, glowing a chromed azure. When done her whispers she blew hard into her palm, launching the collected whispers across the sands.

Into her pack she retrieved her water bottle and took in the last of the life bearing liquid all in one go, ending with a resoundiung smacking of her lips. A bobbling set of orange lights made its way over to her locale in the darkness. With her Neko sight, it was clear as day to see that it was a 'Sand-Scrambler'. This one in particular had several bizarre implements upon its frontal area. Most scramblers were 6-10 legged transports but this one in particular had at least twice that amount and were twice as short. This was a mod to make it a 'Sand-Digger'. Not only was her contact full of info, but obviously a full on smuggler as well.

For such a large transport with so many moving parts, the camouflaged hull slid smoothly and eerily quiet in the sand. By the time it arrived at her location, Calli had made her way aways away from the main stone road and stood at their rendezvous point. As she puffed away on her vape, her hips couldn't help but say a bit, moving to a rhythm only she could hear. It was 2nd nature for a Shaman to want to dance when smoking up; it's how they did their rituals afterall.

The hatch flew open and a bright light shone into her face, "Excuse me, miss, but you can't smoke here..."

Calli covered her eyes and burst out laughing, "Okay, fine. I'll smoke you up in there. Someone order a hotbox? Hahahahahah...!"

The massive Orc leapt out from the hatch and rushed the little fuzzy ball, picking her up and swinging her like a sack of ground apples. The Neko squealed and tossed her head back, enjoying the overjoyed greeting of her contact, Shandan. Massive inked up arms squeezed Calli's little body like a toddler Orcling would their favourite Teddy Human.

"Okay, so nice to see you to, Shanni but okay, okay...! *cough-cough* too tight, a little to tight...!"

"Sorry, Kitty. Sorry it's just I thought I'd never see you again! I thought they locked you up and tossed away the key!"

A glowing sharp-toothed grin she couldn't help but break free from across her face. She loved how Shanni lisped whenever he said any words with 'S' sounds, "Yeah, no. They didn't get me. But they got my litter-sibs. And I need to get them. They are my everything. Boi, believe me, I'll do whatever it takes."

A saddened look followed by a soft shake of his massive head. A huge green arm held her around her shoulders and squeezed tenderly. With his other hand, he made a sweeping arc, motioning for her to enter the Sand-Digger. With a single arm he eased her up and through the hatch, following in behind her. At the helm now, he pressed both hands upon the dashboard and the Digger lit up inside, Arcanic energy buzzing and sizzling from the power core. "Okay, listen up all you ignorant Nekos; all hands, feet... and tails inside the vehicle at all times...! Next stop! The tunnels of thre Smuggler Underways!"

Half a kilometer away the Sand-Digger made true of its namesake and wildly began to burrow into the ancient sands of the vast desert.

Tattooed green fingers of one hand tapped upon the yoke, the other held up the gift and 'fare' to get her to the tunnels. A watch. But not just any watch, it was polished alloy that held a luminescence and luster that only the rare and highly sought dark Aliciandium could hold. A wide grin as he fully realized how much he loved the whole aesthetic of the watch. No gems, no fancy. Just solid metal that made a statement of power and everlasting.

Calli saw the expression upon his face and beamed, cheek filled with pinks and appreciative heat, "I see you likey-likey. Hahahahah... Your boi-toi gonna be so jealous, Shans. You gonna share that with him--"

"Aw hells naw! I already give him enuff good lovin'. But this? Something like this, that no-good Orcling need to earn it. You see a band on this finger...?"

Both laughed heartily until their mirth faded into the heaviness of the reason Calli was truly looking for a ride to the Underways.

He reached out and took the offered vape from her. His hand looked like a Maned Wild Cat's paw to a Climbing Chitter's paw in comparison to Calli's own hand.

"You sure I can't talk you outta this? Kitty, you my fave contact... and a good friend. You and your sibs helped my peoples so much with initiating viable trade and moving us outta abject poverty and into the city. Do you have to go there? I could transport you anywhere else you wanted to go, no charge--"

"Okaaaayyyy... I'll just take this them--" red rimmed eyes closed to half-moons as Calli giggled the moment Shanni smacked her wrist and pulled the watch up to his cheek. The mountain of an Orc looked just like a toddler Orcling indignant and unrelenting to give up its Teddy Human.

"Naw, naw, naw. You didn't let me finish. No charge... starting after this transport."

Calli shrugged her shoulders, ears flattened and tail twitching, "Ooooobviously... hahahahah!"

A long drawn out sigh. Green and yellow eyes then lost its lustre as she levelled her gaze with him. "For real though now. No. Shans... Shanni, ya girl ain't going nowheres else; I'm here for a bigger prize. I need an infusion. Infernal lineage."

"Okay. Okay, wow.I get it now. You had another 'Great IDEA.' You wanna make Hellfire. Wow. Kitty, you don't wanna mess with that. I mean, besides, you'd need to get past the entourage of that... That One."

"Yeah, yeah. Orrrrrrr...." the Neko rolled her 'R' before dropping the dramtic pause," ...Or I could be part of That One's entourage."

The little fuzzy eared thing slung her pack over her shoulder, heavy with new supplies, and cinched her cloak around her neck. Up onto his seat railing she nimbly climbed and pat his head before scratching behind his ear as if he himself was a Neko, "Boi, listen. Ya girl don't need to kill it. I just need it's blood."

Shandan shook his head, beaded dreads clacking together. Finally he relented and leaned into her scritching caress. Suddenly the hatch spit open. "Okay, I'm tired of you already. Out, Kitty..."

His face was solid like stone but his eyes were glinting like gems. The moment he raised his arm and stiffly pointed a thumb outta the hatch, they both lost it in another bout of laughter.

"Yo, stay frosty now. Might still be some narc Paldo's skulking out by that village, right?"

"Whatchu talking about. Boi, I'm staring right at a Paldo narc right now..!" she shook her neck then spontaneously both held a Paladin salute to each other as if it were a middle finger. Both lost it again.

Still laughing Calli kissed his cheek then bounced her way out the Digger and into the tunnels leading to Al-Darus.

---

☠︎︎​

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Before Ephelina could continue speaking, Sasha had already decapitated her. Of course, Ephelina was able to follow the movements of Sasha with her eyes, but due to [Immovable Wall] her body didn't move at the speed she wanted it to. Her head hit the ground while the body still stood. The head hitting the ground at this speed didn't hurt, but was more of a pressure that could be felt. Though moving her body without the head was surprisingly simple.

The body wandered over to where the head fell, knelt to pick up the head and then placed it back on the neck that ended at the black choker. "My, my, such temperament. I don't intend to hurt you or do anything disrespectful to the village, because why should I. It is the place where I was born." Ephelina released her special skill to regain speed ability. "I guess it is my turn to make a move." Ephelina said.

In the blink of an eye, she was behind Sasha. "If you didn't have clothes that covered most of your back, I would have seen that flower shaped mark of yours on your back as my head fell. You should calm down a little, Sasha." Ephelina whispered gently in Sasha's ear before softly blowing on the back of her ear to playfully tease Sasha a little and show that she means no harm. Ephelina then moved back a little to a somewhat safe distance, just in case Sasha would lash out again. "So let's talk this out." She said with a gentle smile.

 

[Rcticwolf]

Before Ephelina could continue speaking, Sasha had already decapitated her. Of course, Ephelina was able to follow the movements of Sasha with her eyes, but due to [Immovable Wall] her body didn't move at the speed she wanted it to. Her head hit the ground while the body still stood. The head hitting the ground at this speed didn't hurt, but was more of a pressure that could be felt. Though moving her body without the head was surprisingly simple.

The body wandered over to where the head fell, knelt to pick up the head and then placed it back on the neck that ended at the black choker. "My, my, such temperament. I don't intend to hurt you or do anything disrespectful to the village, because why should I. It is the place where I was born." Ephelina released her special skill to regain speed ability. "I guess it is my turn to make a move." Ephelina said.

In the blink of an eye, she was behind Sasha. "If you didn't have clothes that covered most of your back, I would have seen that flower shaped mark of yours on your back as my head fell. You should calm down a little, Sasha." Ephelina whispered gently in Sasha's ear before softly blowing on the back of her ear to playfully tease Sasha a little and show that she means no harm. Ephelina then moved back a little to a somewhat safe distance, just in case Sasha would lash out again. "So let's talk this out." She said with a gentle smile.

Sasha froze as Ephelina spoke, she was initially stunned that someone could survive a decapitating strike, even a demon. But her stunned silence went further as Ephelina mentioned the mark on her back. ”how do you know about that?!” she exclaimed as she spun around pointing her blade at Ephelina, whom saw that Sasha’s face remained emotionless as ever, but the shaking in her hand and blade were unmistakable. ”I will give you one chance to explain yourself, who are you? Nobody knows about my mark aside from my family, not even those amongst my clan that I trust with my life know about it!”

Misha and the rest of the Acheron clan stood by, watching the whole exchange unfold. They were completely stunned at the event of somebody standing up and reattaching their severed head, but Misha was stunned to see her older sister shaking after Ephelina said something she couldn’t hear. “Rurra please hear my prayer, what are we to do, who is this demon, and why are they acting this way, please tell me there is a reason for this?” Misha prayed to Rurra hoping for a response “Oh sweet Misha, do not worry for your sister, the demon known as Ephelina means you no harm, for she is the reborn soul of Felis, the priest of this village and she does care for Sasha, whether he knows it or not, but you can not reveal this to Sasha” Rurra replied to Misha before she made her way to Sasha and Ephelina.