The city of Astralor has long since fallen from grace. Its towering spires, once symbols of unmatched power and wealth, now loom over a decaying labyrinth of corruption, darkness, and despair. The elite indulge in their decadence within gilded halls, while the streets below fester with the forgotten, the damned, and the desperate. Beneath the glittering surface, there is no light, only shadow — and in that shadow, The Hollow Garden thrives.The Hollow Garden is a brothel like no other. Here, the city’s most powerful men and women come not only to satisfy their desires but to bury their darkest secrets. And for Agna, a woman cursed with a strange gift, those secrets are what keep her alive. Agna’s eyes do not see what others see; they peer into the soul. She can read the deepest desires, the unspoken fears, and the hidden truths of anyone she touches. This ability has made her both a prized possession and a prisoner to the city’s elite. The powerful come to her with their burdens, seeking release — but it is Agna who bears the weight of their sins, their shame, their hidden cruelties. It is a curse that leaves her cold, hollow, and disconnected from the world around her. She plays her role, feigning a life of luxury and submission, but always with one foot poised to flee. There is no escape from Astralor, no way out of the prison she has been trapped in — until one evening, when everything changes.A figure steps into The Hollow Garden. The Collector, they call him. His presence is unsettling, a chill in the air that clings to the skin. His eyes glint with knowledge and power far beyond that of any mortal. And he has a proposition for Agna. A dangerous proposition. "Your gift is wasted here, Agna," he says, his voice smooth, cold — as if the words themselves are laced with poison. "I seek to bring down the corrupt rulers who have enslaved us all. But to do that, I need someone who can see beyond their masks. Someone who can guide me to their darkest secrets. You, Agna, are that someone."> Join The Collector’s plan: Accept the Collector’s offer and use your gift to uncover the city’s most guarded secrets. > Refuse and escape: Walk away from the Collector’s proposition and attempt to flee Astralor. > Confront the Collector: Reject both rebellion and escape. Dig into your own past, uncovering the truth of your curse and the dark forces that have shaped your destiny.
>>6146349> Join The Collector’s plan: Accept the Collector’s offer and use your gift to uncover the city’s most guarded secrets.
>>6146349>Join The Collector’s plan: Accept the Collector’s offer and use your gift to uncover the city’s most guarded secrets.
>>6146349> Confront the Collector: Reject both rebellion and escape. Dig into your own past, uncovering the truth of your curse and the dark forces that have shaped your destiny.
The Collector’s gaze lingered on Agna, his expression unreadable but heavy with purpose. His presence felt like a shadow stretching across the room, coiling tighter around her with every word. “First of all,” he said, his voice low and deliberate, “we need the grimoire. The one that can summon the demon. Without it, my plan is meaningless.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “I’ve searched the city’s underbelly for traces of it, but the trail ends with the elite families of Astralor. One of them has it — I’m sure of it — but I don’t know which.” The weight of his demand settled on Agna’s shoulders. The elite families of Astralor ruled the city with iron fists, their influence sprawling across every corner. Getting close to them was no small feat — and uncovering their secrets even less so. But if anyone could do it, it was her. The Hollow Garden was not just a brothel; it was a window into the lives of Astralor’s most powerful. The young heirs and scions of the great houses were frequent visitors, drawn by their appetites and desires. They came to her with their secrets laid bare, thinking her nothing more than a plaything, blind to the knowledge she siphoned from them. Agna closed her eyes, her mind sorting through what she knew of the families — their strengths, their weaknesses, their whispers in the dark. Three names stood out, three potential leads in the shadowy puzzle of Astralor’s corrupt heart. The Galanis Family: The Galanis are revered — and feared — for their mastery of magic. Their family line is steeped in arcane tradition, with rumors swirling of ancient rituals and powerful grimoires passed down through generations. If the grimoire is anywhere, it could easily be in their possession. But infiltrating their inner circle would be perilous; the Galanis are known to be suspicious of outsiders and unforgiving of betrayal. The Aetos Family: Where the Galanis wield magic, the Aetos family commands the city’s political stage. Their influence runs through Astralor’s veins like poison, ensuring their rivals are kept at bay. It’s said that if the Aetos don’t own the grimoire, they likely know who does. Their younglings are arrogant and prone to bragging, making them a tempting target — but the Aetos are as cunning as they are powerful, and carelessness could spell disaster. The Drakos Family: Once a proud lineage of occult scholars, the Drakos have devolved into a brutish family of warriors. Despite their present-day reputation for brawn over brains, they remain custodians of one of the largest occult libraries in Astralor, inherited from their ancestors. Their holdings could easily include the grimoire, but prying it from them might require navigating their violent, chaotic nature. > Target the Galanis Family > Investigate the Aetos Family > Probe the Drakos FamilyIf you wish, suggest a plan of action to approach your chosen family.
>>6146629> Investigate the Aetos Family>approachWell I'm not sure what exact kinds of truths we can pry from the families with our ability. Does it work like a mind reading tool, so we only have access to current thoughts of the target? Or can we see their memories as well? If it's the latter, it should be trivial to distract a person with our beauty and charm while inspecting their inner world. If the former... Maybe playing into their arrogance, talking about their accomplishments and then steering the conversation towards what they've achieved in the field of magic could surface some hidden thoughts.Maybe I'm just misunderstanding what QM meant by plan lol.
>>6146641+1
>>6146641+1>>6146629Either of the others could have it, but the Aetos alone will be able to tell us for sure who our real target is. let's not waste time and make enemas we don't need to.
>>6146641>>6146651>>6146769Agna leaned back in the plush velvet chair, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of a glass filled with a dark, bittersweet drink. The low hum of music from the piano in the corner of The Hollow Garden was soothing, but her thoughts were far from calm. She had made her decision. The Aetos family would be her first target. Their power, their influence, their arrogance—it all made them an irresistible point of attack. But where to begin? The Collector’s words rang in her ears: “One of them must know. Find the grimoire. Find the demon’s key.”She closed her eyes, her mind reaching out through the dark corridors of memory, searching through the faces and whispers of the city’s elite. The Aetos were a slippery bunch, their power woven through every aspect of Astralor’s political landscape, and their heirs were just as ruthless as their elders. But Agna had something they didn’t: an ability to see the hidden truths, to peel away the layers of pretense and arrogance they wore so proudly.
>>6146886Her first thought was of Cecilia Aetos, the youngest of the clan. A frivolous, spoiled thing, known for her absurdly extravagant tastes. She spent her days parading around town, throwing money at anything that caught her eye, her laugh echoing through the high-end markets and salons like a bell in a cathedral. Her naivety was her strength, and her downfall. Agna had seen her many times, always draped in jewels, always surrounded by admirers, but with the faintest flicker of something else behind those bright eyes. A desire to be seen for more than her family’s name, perhaps? A secret yearning for something beyond the material?Cecilia could be useful. She might be impressionable. If Agna could get close enough, she could use the girl’s vanity, her need for attention, to pull her strings. But there was a risk. The young woman was shallow, and it would take subtlety to turn that into an advantage.Then, there was Mikhail Aetos, the middle-aged son of the Aetos family, a regular at The Hollow Garden. He was a man of habits, always arriving alone, ordering the same drink, always accompanied by that same smug smirk. He wasn’t one of Agna’s favorites, but he had his uses. Mikhail was predictable, a man whose desires could be easily read once you knew where to look. Though he rarely paid attention to Agna personally, he was known to indulge in novelty, always seeking something new. It wouldn’t take much to lure him in, and once he was in her grasp, she could extract the information she needed.Finally, there was Gordon Aetos, the heir apparent, the true pillar of the family. Unlike his younger, more easily distracted relatives, Gordon had a reputation for being steel-willed and pragmatic. Cold, calculating, and far less prone to indulgence, he was a man who rarely gave his secrets away—if he even had any. However, Agna knew that the higher the walls, the more valuable the knowledge hidden behind them. Gordon would not be easily manipulated, but if anyone had the information she sought, it would be him.
>>6146887Select who you're going to approach and how. Cecilia Aetos:> Flatter and Entice with Luxury: Agna could approach Cecilia at one of her favorite spots in the city, a lavish boutique or salon, and charm her with compliments on her beauty and impeccable taste. She could subtly weave in her own experiences, mentioning rare treasures she’s encountered and how Cecilia’s presence lights up the room. By appealing to the girl’s vanity and materialism, Agna could suggest a private, exclusive gathering where they discuss the finer things in life — a “deal” that could appeal to Cecilia’s hunger for attention and status. If done right, Cecilia might feel flattered enough to reveal more than she intends, including her family’s secrets.> Play on Her Insecurity: Agna could take a different route, speaking to Cecilia with a more understanding tone, pretending to be a confidante who sees beyond the surface. She could bring up subtle details of Cecilia’s life, making her think Agna knows more about her than any other admirer. With carefully placed words, she could hint at Cecilia’s deep-seated desire to be seen as more than a superficial plaything. Agna could position herself as someone who could help her rise above that image — with just a small, secret price to pay. Through this method, Agna could guide Cecilia into inadvertently revealing her family’s hidden dealings.
>>6146888Mikhail Aetos:> Offer a New Experience: Agna could approach Mikhail with the same casual but alluring air she’s used before, offering something different — a new sensation, a new indulgence. She could play the novelty card, enticing him with something he’s never experienced, perhaps a more exclusive or rare form of pleasure. The key would be to make it clear that this isn’t about her, but about giving him the satisfaction of something unique. While she has him in a vulnerable state, she could slip in casual questions, asking what his family’s true interests are, what they’re involved in behind closed doors. Mikhail, craving novelty, might be willing to share more than expected, especially if he thinks it could lead to something new and exciting.> Charm and Distract: Knowing that Mikhail is a man of predictable habits, Agna could take the familiar route, playing on his familiarity with her and his desire for control. She could spend time with him as usual, but this time, her demeanor would shift slightly. Instead of simply being a passive companion, Agna could engage him in witty conversation, teasing him with riddles and subtly pressing him with more probing questions about his family’s activities. His smugness would likely cause him to brag or slip up, thinking he’s in control of the situation. By feeding his ego just enough, Agna could slip under his guard and gain the information she seeks without him realizing it.Gordon Aetos:> Direct Confrontation: Agna could take the bold route and go directly to Gordon, bypassing the usual charm and pretense. She would need to approach him with a mix of respect and confidence, acknowledging his power and authority while subtly suggesting that she knows far more about his family’s dealings than anyone else. This approach would require careful preparation: she would need to present herself as someone with valuable information or influence, something that would pique his interest. By laying everything out in front of him, daring him to refuse her offer, she might force Gordon to reveal the knowledge he has — if he’s too proud to back down from a challenge.> Subtle Manipulation through Allies: Instead of directly approaching Gordon, Agna could use her connections in Astralor, drawing upon her knowledge of the city’s underworld. She could plant rumors or whispers in places he frequents, making sure they reach his ears just at the right moment. By painting herself as a trusted ally of powerful people, she could weave a web of intrigue around Gordon, forcing him to come to her for answers. This indirect approach would require patience, but once Gordon becomes intrigued enough, he may seek her out himself — and when he does, Agna can leverage that power to extract the information she needs.You may also suggest an entirely different strategy.
>>6146889Gordon>Direct Confrontation
>>6146888>>6146889>Mikhail Aetos>Offer a New ExperienceUnfortunately for him, the new experience is being mindraped for buried secrets. Oopsie daisy!
Rolled 2 (1d2)>>6146901>>61469431 - gordon2 - mikhail
>>6146946Isn't it a bit fast to roll for a tiebreaker? it's been less than an hour. is this quest going to be run session-style, or daily?
>>6146901>>6146943>>6146946The dim amber light of The Hollow Garden flickered across Agna’s face as she stood by the bar, a faint smile curling her lips as she watched Mikhail Aetos enter. As always, he arrived with the air of a man who owned the world, his tailored coat immaculate, his every movement deliberate. His favorite seat near the far corner of the lounge was already waiting, a glass of his preferred wine resting on the table. Agna took a moment to study him, her sharp eyes catching the slight twitch in his jaw and the way his hand lingered a beat too long on the back of the chair before he sat. Tonight, Mikhail was restless. Bored. Perfect. She adjusted her stance, letting her silken dress shift just enough to catch his eye as she approached. Her movements were unhurried, her expression a careful blend of warmth and intrigue. When she reached his table, she didn’t wait for an invitation. Instead, she placed a hand lightly on the back of the chair opposite him, tilting her head in mock curiosity. “Strange,” she began, her voice low and lilting, “I’ve seen you here dozens of times, and yet I’ve never had the pleasure of discovering what truly interests you, Mikhail. Surely, it must be something more than the predictable comforts of this place.” Mikhail looked up, his gaze flickering over her as he leaned back in his chair. “Agna,” he drawled, a hint of amusement in his tone. “And what makes you think I’m interested in sharing my secrets tonight?” She smiled, stepping closer to the table and letting her fingers trail along the edge as she sat across from him. “Because you’re restless,” she said simply, her eyes locking onto his. “And I have a knack for offering something... unexpected.” He chuckled, swirling his wine. “Unexpected, you say? The Hollow Garden thrives on predictability. Why should tonight be any different?” Agna leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Because tonight, I’m not here to offer what you already know. I’m here to give you something new. An experience no one else in this city can provide.” Mikhail raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. “And what exactly would that be?”
>>6146950Agna didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she reached for the small pouch at her side and pulled out a vial of shimmering liquid, its contents swirling with an iridescent glow. She placed it on the table between them, her eyes never leaving his. “This,” she said, her tone soft but charged, “is a key. A gateway to sensations and thoughts you’ve never dared to imagine. But it’s not just about indulgence, Mikhail. It’s about understanding. Seeing beyond the veil, into the hearts and minds of those who think they control you.” Mikhail’s interest sharpened, his fingers brushing against the vial. “And you think this... potion of yours will show me that?” Agna leaned back, a sly smile playing on her lips. “It’s not the potion, Mikhail. It’s what it unlocks when combined with the right mind. My mind. Yours. Together.” He considered her words, the flicker of doubt warring with his curiosity. “And what do you get out of this, Agna? Surely you’re not doing this out of the kindness of your heart.” She shrugged, her expression turning coy. “Let’s just say I like knowing things. About people. About the world. And I have a feeling you might know something worth my time.” > Let the Potion Speak: Agna could convince Mikhail to drink the potion with her, leaning into the mystique of their shared experience to open him up further. She would guide the conversation toward his family’s secrets while under the influence of the potion’s effects. > Shift to Seduction: Agna might abandon the potion entirely, relying instead on her charm and allure to draw Mikhail in. She could appeal to his ego and vanity, making him believe she’s genuinely interested in him and his life to get him talking. > Feign an Exit: If Mikhail remains hesitant, Agna could feign disinterest and prepare to leave, knowing that the allure of novelty and the possibility of missing out might spur him to act impulsively and pursue her, giving her the upper hand.
>>6146949>Isn't it a bit fast to roll for a tiebreaker? it's been less than an hour. is this quest going to be run session-style, or daily?Preferably session-style, but I may not have time for that too often.I will try to update at least once a day, but if I have time I will update far more.If I am doing a session on a given day, once I'm done for the day I will warn you the session is over.
>>6146951> Let the Potion Speak: Agna could convince Mikhail to drink the potion with her, leaning into the mystique of their shared experience to open him up further. She would guide the conversation toward his family’s secrets while under the influence of the potion’s effects. >>6146952Alright, fair enough.
>>6146951> Let the Potion Speak: Agna could convince Mikhail to drink the potion with her, leaning into the mystique of their shared experience to open him up further. She would guide the conversation toward his family’s secrets while under the influence of the potion’s effects.
>>6146958>>6146966Agna reclined in her chair, her fingers delicately tracing the rim of her wine glass as she watched Mikhail examine the shimmering vial. The potion glinted in the dim, golden light of the Hollow Garden, its iridescent hues promising mystery and temptation. She could see the intrigue flicker in his eyes, his usual bravado tempered by genuine curiosity. “It’s more than a drink,” Agna said, her voice low and velvety. “It opens doors. Not just to the senses, but to the truth. But truth... well, it’s not always kind. It will show you things you’ve buried deep. Things others want you to forget.” Mikhail scoffed, though there was a hint of unease behind his smirk. “You speak like you’re trying to scare me, Agna. But I’ve faced darker things than this.” Agna leaned forward, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Then you have nothing to fear. Drink, and let’s see how brave you really are.” She slid the vial across the table, and after a moment’s hesitation, Mikhail poured its contents into two glasses of wine. He passed one to Agna and raised his own. “To bravery,” he said, his voice low, almost mocking. “To clarity,” she countered, their glasses clinking together. They drank.
>>6146969The warmth spread quickly, a heady rush coursing through her veins. The world around them blurred at the edges, the colors deepening, the shadows growing richer and more alive. Agna steadied herself, her focus narrowing on Mikhail as his confident demeanor began to dissolve. He blinked, his breathing quickening as he leaned back in his chair. “What... what is this?” he murmured, his voice tinged with awe and confusion. Agna leaned closer, her tone calm, measured. “It’s the veil lifting. You’re seeing things as they are, not as you’ve been taught to see them. It’s clarity, Mikhail. Now tell me—what’s been hidden from you?” For a moment, Mikhail said nothing, his gaze darting around the room as though he could see something invisible moving in the shadows. Then, he leaned forward, his voice a hushed whisper. “They think I don’t notice. The late nights, the whispers, the... gatherings. My father, my uncles—they disappear for hours. The rituals...” His hands trembled as he clutched the edge of the table. “They think it’s their right, their legacy. They call on things older than the city itself. I’ve seen the symbols. The sacrifices. The blood.” Agna’s breath caught, though her expression remained calm. She had heard rumors of dark rituals among the elite, but this was the first time she’d heard such details from someone so close to the source. “What kind of rituals?” she asked, her voice soft yet insistent. Mikhail shook his head, his pupils dilated. “I don’t know everything. They don’t trust me with it yet. But it’s power. They’re summoning something. Bargaining with something. They think it will keep the family on top, that it will make us untouchable. But there’s something wrong. I can feel it. Like... something’s watching.” > Push for More Details: Agna could press Mikhail further, using his disoriented state to coax out more information about the rituals—who leads them, where they occur, and what exactly they hope to achieve. > Shift Focus to Leverage: Sensing his unease, Agna could redirect the conversation toward Mikhail’s role in the family, probing for vulnerabilities or doubts she could use to manipulate him further in the future. > Withdraw to Strategize: Agna could decide she has enough for now, leaving Mikhail with the illusion of control while she plans her next move, possibly to investigate these rituals herself or seek allies who could help.
>>6146972> Shift Focus to Leverage: Sensing his unease, Agna could redirect the conversation toward Mikhail’s role in the family, probing for vulnerabilities or doubts she could use to manipulate him further in the future. "What is the source of their power? Is it a book, perhaps? or, wait... They probably haven't even revealed THAT mcuh to him, have they?" Hmmm? have they, Mikey-boy? Or have you spied upon them and found out to satisfy your own dark curiosity?
>>6146981Agna could sense the tension in Mikhail’s voice, the way his gaze flickered around the room, trying to find something familiar to latch onto. The potion was working—his confidence was beginning to unravel, and with it, his facade. He was no longer the arrogant man she’d seen countless times, strolling into the Hollow Garden as though he owned it. Now, he was just a man, vulnerable and shaking, desperate to release something that had been buried deep.She leaned closer, her fingers gently brushing his, a soft, warm contact that grounded him as much as it seduced him. “Mikhail,” she whispered, her voice low and coaxing. “You’ve seen so much, but you’ve only scratched the surface. There’s more, isn’t there? What does your family truly deal with? What do they really believe in?”For a long moment, there was silence between them, broken only by the occasional clink of glass or a muffled whisper from the other patrons in the garden. Mikhail’s eyes were wide, his pupils dilated in the haze of the potion, and it was clear now: he was about to spill more than he intended.“I—I don’t know,” he stammered, his words slurring slightly. “I don’t know what they believe, but I know what they do... They’re not like other families. They... they’ve always had a source of power, something they’ve kept hidden from me. But I can’t figure it out. It’s...” His voice trailed off, and he shook his head, as if trying to rid himself of the thoughts threatening to spill over.Sensing his hesitation, Agna decided not to push him too hard for now. She shifted her tone, lightening it, making it seem like less of an interrogation. “Tell me then, Mikhail,” she said softly, “what’s it like, growing up in a family like yours? You’ve seen things, haven’t you? What was your life like before all this power and secrecy?”Mikhail’s eyes grew distant, his expression growing darker. “My family… They’re not like other families,” he murmured again, more to himself than to Agna. “We were raised in violence, in... darkness. My father, my uncles—they taught me to break people, to make them fear us. To dominate. I’m not a noble. I’m just... the enforcer. I lead thugs, intimidate, crush anyone who dares to defy the family.” He looked up, meeting her gaze, and there was something broken in his eyes. “It’s not what I wanted, Agna. It’s not what I ever wanted.”There was a pause as he seemed to lose himself for a moment, his gaze distant. Agna, ever the skilled manipulator, kept the silence flowing, gently pressing him forward without seeming to push.“But you’ve thought about escaping,” she said, keeping her voice soothing. “You’ve thought about leaving all of it behind.”
>>6147005You see the weight of his words settle between the two of you, a fragile confession that wraps itself around your mind like a noose. His desperation has become palpable, yet it is his vulnerability that makes him even more dangerous. You know there’s power here—power that can be used, manipulated, shaped into something of value. The puzzle pieces are falling into place, and you can feel the weight of this moment press in on you.His confession about wanting to escape, the image of an isolated manor on the outskirts of the kingdom, speaks to his desperation. The ritual, the dark family secrets, his twisted relationship with his own blood—everything about him is begging to be exploited. The potion has loosened his tongue, but more than that, it has weakened his defenses, made him pliable.When you speak next, your voice is as quiet as a whisper, but it cuts through the silence like a blade. “Mikhail, what would you do if you could leave all of this behind?” Your words hang in the air, a challenge and a temptation.His eyes soften for a moment, and for the briefest of seconds, you see the man who could have been free. But then, just as quickly, the shadow of his family’s power returns, flickering in the darkness of his gaze. “Peace, Agna,” he murmurs, his voice low. “Just peace. No more blood. No more... them.”You lean in closer, letting your breath warm his ear as you press him further, the potion still clouding his mind, making him feel as if there is no escape. “But Mikhail, you’ve seen the darkest of their world. You’ve taken part in the things that can’t be undone. What is it you’ve done, really?”A shudder runs through him, his body tense as he flinches at the memories. “Rituals,” he whispers. “I’ve seen them. I’ve been part of them. Not all the time, but... they call something. Something ancient. Powerful. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a summoning.”The words are chilling, and yet they’re exactly what you needed. The rituals, underground, hidden, possibly tied to dark forces beyond his understanding. And then, there’s his family’s grip on him, their power over him. It’s clear he’s been in too deep for too long. The question now is what you’ll do with that information.His voice trembles once more as he answers your next question. “I don’t know where. They don’t tell me. Underground. Basements, sewers, caves... I don’t know.”
>>6147007You make a mental note. That could be useful. But then, the shift happens, and you can feel the subtle change in his body, his vulnerability turning into something deeper. His eyes lock onto yours, pupils dilated, his body inching closer, drawn to you as if he can’t stop it.“I want more,” he breathes, his voice strained. “This feeling... it’s everything I’ve never had. I need it, Agna. Please.”His request is raw, unfiltered, and, in his state, it’s almost too easy to give him what he craves. You can see his darkest desires, his fantasies, unraveling in front of you. The Hollow Garden is a place where nothing is too strange, too forbidden.You lean closer, your voice soft, inviting, seductive. “Tell me what you want, Mikhail. I’m listening.”> Offer a Deal for His Escape: You could use this moment to solidify your hold over Mikhail. Promise him the freedom he craves, but only if he helps you uncover more about the Aetos family’s rituals. Leverage his desperation, offering him a way out in exchange for his cooperation. This would make him an ally, albeit a reluctant one, but one with enough emotional investment to become a useful pawn in your larger scheme.> Subtly Bind Him to Your Cause: Instead of offering him a direct escape, you could exploit his current emotional state to deepen his attachment to you. Suggest that you are the only one who can truly help him escape, and that his ties to his family are too strong for him to break free alone. By promising him not just a physical escape, but a way to sever his emotional chains, you could bind him to your cause—his loyalty now something you can manipulate.> Use His Information for a Bigger Plan: You could thank him for his honesty and begin plotting how to use the information he’s provided about the rituals, his role in the family, and the underground locations. You won’t focus on his fantasies or desires, but instead, use his unwitting complicity to infiltrate the Aetos family more directly. Take advantage of his guilt and his need to escape to ensure his continued silence while you make the first move to expose the family’s darkest secrets.
Alright, calling it a day.
>>6147009> Subtly Bind Him to Your Cause
>>6147009>Offer a Deal for His Escape: You could use this moment to solidify your hold over Mikhail. Promise him the freedom he craves, but only if he helps you uncover more about the Aetos family’s rituals. Leverage his desperation, offering him a way out in exchange for his cooperation. This would make him an ally, albeit a reluctant one, but one with enough emotional investment to become a useful pawn in your larger scheme.
Rolled 1 (1d2)>>6147038 1>>6147311 2
>>6147429>>6147311>>6147038You let Mikhail's words settle between you, his desperation palpable in the still air. His confessions had painted him as a man drowning in his family's shadows, longing for a light he’d never known. This, you realize, is the perfect opportunity. You lean forward, your tone soft but brimming with conviction, your eyes locking with his in a way that lets him see only the promise of salvation.“Mikhail,” you say, your voice smooth as velvet, “I can help you. But running isn’t the answer—not yet. Your family’s reach is too long, their grip too tight. If you try to escape on your own, they’ll find you, and the consequences would be...” You let the words trail off, your expression grim enough to fill in the blanks. “But with me, we can build a path together. One that doesn’t just free you physically, but releases you from their hold entirely.”His breath hitches, a flicker of hope mingling with the fear in his eyes. You can see his vulnerability, the cracks in the armor he’s worn for too long. You press on, your voice a melody of comfort and strength. “You’re not alone, Mikhail. I see you. I understand you. And I won’t abandon you to their world.” The promises you weave are calculated but convincing—salvation, liberation, a fresh start. Each one binds him tighter to you, like strands of silk slowly wrapping around his soul.
>>6147435Over the next weeks, you slow your search for the Aetos family's secrets, wary of drawing too much attention. Mikhail, meanwhile, becomes a frequent visitor. He returns to you again and again, each time craving the mind-expanding effects of your specialty concoctions. The potions don’t just intoxicate him—they make him feel alive in a way he’s never known. Under their influence, he confesses more of his thoughts, his frustrations, his dreams. It becomes clear he’s growing dependent, not just on the potions, but on you.His visits becoming less about his needs and more about your growing influence over him. You have him wrapped around your finger, his every move dictated by the promises and illusions you’ve so carefully crafted.With Mikhail firmly in your grasp, you know it’s time to progress your plans. His information about the underground rituals remains frustratingly vague—sewers, basements, caves. You need confirmation, a clear lead to pinpoint the location. Confronting another member of the family would be risky; the Aetos are dangerous and cunning, and the last thing you need is them joining forces against you. Instead, you consider subtler avenues.> Make Contacts Amongst the Guards: The guards who patrol the Aetos estate are privy to movement and logistics, and one of them might know more than they should about the family's secrets. Their loyalty is to gold, not blood—convincing one of them to share what they know could provide the confirmation you need. A few well-placed coins and a persuasive touch could buy you the answers you're seeking.> Make Contacts Amongst the Maidservants: Those who serve in the shadows of the Aetos estate often see what others overlook. A maidservant might overhear whispers or stumble upon forbidden areas. If you can gain the trust—or the fear—of one of them, you could learn invaluable details about the rituals. Their knowledge, born of silent observation, might be the key to unlocking the location.> Visit Your Potion Girl: Your supplier has always been resourceful, her concoctions pushing the limits of human perception. If she has something more potent, something that could loosen tongues or heighten awareness, it might be your best tool. You could use it on Mikhail to dig deeper or save it for someone more knowledgeable within the Aetos orbit. Either way, a visit to her could provide you with the next step in your arsenal.
>>6147436> Visit Your Potion GirlDose him and send him deep, to go spy on his family ties and return with their secrets. Tell him that if he can find the source of their power (maybe a certain book...?) he can be a real member of the family and finally have the respect and status he deserves.
>>6147436>Visit Your Potion Girl: Your supplier has always been resourceful, her concoctions pushing the limits of human perception. If she has something more potent, something that could loosen tongues or heighten awareness, it might be your best tool. You could use it on Mikhail to dig deeper or save it for someone more knowledgeable within the Aetos orbit. Either way, a visit to her could provide you with the next step in your arsenal.
>>6147436>Make Contacts Amongst the Guards
